Page 22 of Austen, Edited

She glanced up at him for several seconds, looking more vulnerable than he’d ever seen her. When she finally took a bite, he saw the surprise light up her eyes, and she nodded, making a sound in the back of her throat.

After she swallowed, she said, “That is so good.”

“When did this place open?” Greyson asked between bites, pointing at the logoRoll With Iton the box. He scooted closer to her so their legs were touching. For some reason he needed to be close to her, like that would somehow keep her from giving up on him.

Abby shrugged, her eyes moving to their touching legs. He saw a hint of a smile before she answered, “I’ve never tried it. I don’t think I’ve been downtown for a while.”

They shared a few more of the pastries, and Greyson patted his stomach when he was full. He grinned, grateful for the simple fun they’d been able to have that afternoon. Hannah had always wanted to do something exciting, acting like she was so bored when he just wanted to have a slow day.

“How was your first week of class?”

Abby blew out a breath. “It was good. It’s nice to get started on my senior year. I’m so close to being done, which is both exciting and terrifying.”

“I bet your parents would be proud of you, your aunt and uncle too.” From the change in her demeanor, he knew it was the wrong thing to say.

Her jaw tensed, the muscle at the side of her face moving as she ground her teeth. “Yeah, I don’t think any of them really care what happens to me. That’s why I have to do it for me, for my future, and not worry about lack of support.”

“I’m here,” he said, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and pulling her to him. She smelled of vanilla and strawberries, and their closeness increased his heart rate.

“Are you? I’m still afraid you’re going to go radio silent on me again.”

Guilt pricked at him and he hugged her tighter. “I know. I was an idiot, and I’m sorry I did that. But I hope someday you’ll forgive me,reallyforgive me.” They sat there, silent for several moments. “Have you heard more about your mom’s parole?”

Pulling away, Abby wiped at the tears falling down her cheeks. She shook her head, appearing as though she couldn’t say anything.

Greyson thought of all the times Abby had been frustrated after getting a letter from her mother or the few times she’d gone to see her at the women’s prison. All the emotions she’d gone through, feeling abandoned by her family and unwanted by the Harringtons. No wonder she was having a hard time forgiving him completely for ditching her, her only support. He’d been a coward, and he wished he could go back and change a lot of what happened between them.

“How are you feeling about that?” He leaned forward, his elbows on his thighs with his head turned, the position low enough to let him look into her eyes.

She shook her head, wrapping her arms around her middle. “You’re starting to sound like Tiffany when you say that.” She paused again, her eyes focused on a bird hopping along the sidewalk in front of them. “I don’t know yet. I think I’m just pushing it off as something that will never happen, you know? She’s been in there for over ten years, which is almost half my life.”

Greyson pulled her in again, holding her close to him to calm the sobs that rose up. She’d been through a lot, and he just hoped he could make things better.

“Well, whatever you decide to do, to visit or not, I’ll be there with you.”

She placed her hands on his chest and pushed back enough to look up at him. “Thank you.”

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