Page 71 of Another Love, Another Time
“You made this?” I’m shocked. “Quick. Grab the bowl, and let’s go!” He goes to stand up, and I grab his arm. A zing of excitement shoots through my body. I let go quickly.
“I’m just kidding. Sit back down.”
I look at him, and for a moment, I see disappointment. He quickly masks it. I ask, “Hey, are you okay? You want to talk about it?”
He’s now staring off behind me. I give him time to put his thoughts together.
“Do you ever wake up and wonder how you got here?”
“I’m not entirely sure what the question is.” I take a deep breath, thinking. “But if you are asking if I ever wake up and question my choices, then yes.”
His gaze focuses on me. “Do you ever regret any of the decisions you’ve made?”
“Sure, but I’m also grateful for those moments, too. Every decision, every regret, every win has brought me to this exact time. It has made me into the person sitting in front of you. I’m proud of this person. I’ve fought like hell to be her, and I know at any time, I can change the ending of my story. But I don’t think I would ever change anything.”
“I’m proud of you, River.”
“I’m proud of you, too.”
“Are you?”
“When have you known me to be a liar? I am proud of you. I know you worked hard to get in the position you’re in.
He grins, but it seems different. Nostalgic, maybe. “Thanks.”
“Do you need to talk about the other thing?”
He shakes his head. “Not right now. You need another beer? What’s with the water?”
“I have to pace myself. I have to drive myself home tonight.” I push at his shoulder. The contact makes my stomach flip. Note to self: stop touching Auggie.
“I could always drive you home.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal.
“I don’t think your girlfriend would appreciate that.”
He releases a heavy sigh. “I don’t really—”
I cut him off. “Auggie, we don’t have to discuss it. I won’t need a ride home. I’m not very far from here, anyway.” I want to change the subject. I can’t talk to him about his girlfriend. I’m just glad she is not here tonight. I continue, “I talked to Logan today. He said he’d be here for your mom’s barbecue tomorrow.”
He looks at me with surprise written on his face.
“You talk to Logan?” His tone comes off a little irritated.
“Yeah,” I respond slowly. I don’t know if I just said something that I shouldn’t have.
“How long?” I look at him, not responding, because I don’t know how to. “How long, River? Since you’ve been back, or did you never stop speaking with him?”
I get it now. I look down at my feet. “I never stopped,” I say in a whisper.
“So, it was just me that you cut out?” Before I can respond, he pushes himself out of his chair, walks to the slider, opens it, andturns back to snap, “I’m glad to know it was just me that you wanted out of your life.”
Before I can stop myself, I retort, “Well, excuse me for not wanting to talk to someone I didn’t trust.”
What the hell happened? Did Logan never tell him he spoke with me? I thought we were having a good conversation. Why the hell would he be mad at me?
Chapter 21
Auggie
