Page 79 of Eye of the Hurricane
“This is why you were feeling overwhelmed that night?” I ask.
“I have all of these feelings and I don’t know what to do with them. They’re new and they’re loud. I have a plan, Ares. One that I’ve never had a problem focusing on. Not until you came along.”
“Then we’ll hit the breaks. But don’t completely shut me out. We were friends before all of this.”
“I just can’t afford to be distracted right now. It’s crunch time and instead of being more focused than ever, I’m out all night, going camping, and hooking up with you. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never had this much fun in my life,” she says,stopping to face me again, but this time with tears in her eyes. “But that meeting was a wake up call that fun could cost me everything I’ve ever wanted.”
I want to tell her she doesn’t have to choose. That people all over the world have their dream careers and lives outside of them. I want to convince her that this isn’t a bad idea. But I can tell she’s made up her mind, and I can’t argue with someone so deeply convinced.
“Okay. We’ll take a step back then. All friends, no benefits. And we’ll only fake it for the wedding. I think we’re well practiced at this point,” I tell her.
The lines of fake and real got blurred and now I feel like I’m leaving my heart out here on the beach.
“I’m really sorry,” she says, wiping the tears from each cheek. “This is just how it has to be.”
I’m not sure if it’s to convince her or me.
Chapter 23
Katherine
Sisterhoodof the Traveling Rants
Audra
Ares’ Birthday is tomorrow, we’re doing something small at the house. You’re both invited.
Ravyn
Basically a family dinner but on Saturday instead.
Audra
Family dinner still Sunday though!
Luna
We’ll be there
Katherine
No we won’t. I have a thing
Luna
What thing?
Katherine
Animportant thing.
Ravyn
She’s avoiding Ares.
Katherine
I’m not avoiding him.
