Page 3 of Born Wild

“What do you mean?”

“Some of my friends would censor their reports.” Her lips twist with a frown. “I get it. I’d probably do the same. But no matter how many times I assure them it won’t hurt my feelings to know who Brooks is seeing, the more they feel the need to protect me.” She shakes her head and releases a nervous laugh. “How many times does one girl need to say she’s over her ex?”

I don’t know what to say so I just nod in agreement.

“Hey, Tim?” Her voice softens.

“Yeah?” I manage to respond.

“Would you write me?”

“Me?”

“I mean, I understand if you have better things to do now that you’re graduating. Actually, forget I even asked. God, I’m so stupid. I’m sure it’s embarrassing I even asked.”

“No.” I reach out and touch her hand, then draw my fingers back as I drop my gaze to the tips of my boots. “I would love to write you.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, I’ll give you the address.” She reaches in her bag and riffles through the contents, retrieving a small leather-bound book. She opens it up and transcribes an address onto a sheet of lined paper. “Here.” She folds it up, and writes her name on the paper. “Now we can become pen pals.”

“Okay.” I can’t fight the heat that fills my cheeks as I take the paper and tuck it into the back pocket of my jeans. I like that idea more than I should.

“I’ve always thought we’d be good friends.” She appraises me, staring through my soul as if she sees everything—and maybe more than I give myself credit for.

It’s not the secret crush confession that I hold for her, but I’ll take it. When it comes to Cassie Higgins, I’ll take whatever she’s willing to give.

1

CASSIE

Three months later

This can’t be happening. This has to be some cruel joke. This isn’t how my life is supposed to go.

The thoughts play in my head and my gut twists as I stare at the positive pregnancy test in my shaking hands. A knock at the door of the diner’s restroom pulls me out of my daze.

“Almost done!” I manage to say before wrapping the evidence in toilet paper and shoving it into the bottom of the trash can next to the sink. I wash my hands, avoiding my gaze in the small mirror. I can’t face myself or this reality. Not yet.

I step out of the restroom and tense as I come face to face with Marnie. A few years older than me, she’s helped her parents run the diner—a Wilder Valley staple—for as long as I can remember.

“You okay, hun? You look white as a ghost.” Her concern is genuine.

“Something I ate didn’t agree with me,” I lie to cover my awkwardness.

“The chicken salad, right?” She remembers my order, then glances back at the kitchen as her brow furrows. “We made a fresh batch this morning, but I’ll ask my dad to toss the rest. Don’t want to get anyone else sick.”

“No.” I shake my head, guilt compounding with the fear of being the center of town gossip. “It’s not that. I woke up feeling under the weather. I should’ve stayed home.” It’s not a complete lie.

“You need help getting home?” She glances to the empty table where I was sitting with my friends fifteen minutes ago—before we said our goodbyes and I claimed I needed to use the restroom. Before my life turned upside down.

“I’m good. I promise.” I force a smile on my lips.

She studies my features before giving a curt nod. “You get some rest and feel better.”

“I will,” I say, then make my exit before I burst into tears.

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