Page 141 of How You See Me
With a shake of his head, he kisses my cheek then sets me down without warning. “I have to go,” he says, almost choking on the words. He starts backing down the hallway. “I’m sorry.”
“Why do you keep saying that?” My shredded voice gives away the fragile state of my emotions I'm desperately trying to conceal. For him and the guilt I know he's putting on himself. For my own control. “You have nothing to apologize for.”
He continues walking. “I’m still sorry, Josie. I wish I could be here for your show. I wish we had more time. I wish . . . for so much.”
“Your family needs you. It’s okay. I love you.”
Tears pour freely now. Every ounce of strength I need to stop them lies within him, and I can no longer pretend his pain and watching him walk away doesn’t hurt.
As he jogs out of sight, my knees hit the floor, and I shatter.
???
“Oh, honey. What’s all this about?” Grant’s soft voice floats around me, but I can’t move. Can’t find him through the river of tears.
As any best friend would, he shoulders the burden, lifts me off the floor, and guides me toward his room where I can piece myself back together in private.
“My heart hurts.” I drag my trembling hands over my face and slump against him on the couch. I know my reaction isn’t rational. Hayes and I aren’t over. His family ishis priority and I support him with everything in me. But I still miss him. Still long for his presence.
“Is this about Mr. Lumberjack?”
Through hiccupping sobs, I tell him everything. Every mile, every moment, every way Hayes made me whole again, leaving out Ava’s battle and honoring Hayes’ family’s privacy.
“Wait. You drove?”
“Seriously? That’s what you took from everything I said?” I throw my hands up. “Grant, I fell in love.”
I brace for sarcasm, for his usual dramatic teasing, telling me I’m overreacting. But instead, his arms wrap around me.
“I was kidding, Queen.” He chuckles and rocks me softly. “You know I get it.”
His support crushes what little strength I had left. I collapse into his chest, sobbing, and he holds me through it all.
“Thanks,” I mumble when I’m composed enough to sit up and wipe away the tears. “I thought you were going to tell me to suck it up.”
He puffs out his chest. “And pass up the chance to play the award-winning supportive role in your romantic drama? Girl, please.”
“No lecture about celebrating and havingfun? Not . . . all this.” I wave a hand in front of my wet, splotchy face.
“Oh, there will be plenty of celebrating and lose-the-bra fun when you feel better.”
“But this isn’t anything like what I had with Ryder. I can’t just put on makeup and order a drink to get over it. Hayes . . . is my Eric.”
He draws in a sharp breath, his palm pressing against his chest. “No.”
I nod, tears brimming again.
“It’s a can’t-live-without-him love? Not just ayou’re-hot-and-I’m-hot-so-why-notwhirlwind romance? It’s only been a week, Josie.”
“But we’ve lived together 24/7 during that time. That’s more than you and Eric had before you knew.”
His gaze drops to his lap, minus a comeback.
“Exactly. Hayes and I have seen each other at our best and worst. He took care of me. He rescued me and talked me through so many moments when I wanted to quit. His smile is the best thing in the world, and I’ve never felt so treasured. He didn’t just show up. He stayed. He loves me too, Grant. Just as much.”
He scans me, interpreting my sincerity level, and eventually accepts the truth. “I’m happy for you.”
Before I can dodge him, he lifts me off the couch, spinning around the room until we fall breathlessly onto the bed.
