Page 84 of Timber's Line
“Sure.” I run upstairs to throw on my swimsuit, but then I freeze. They will see my legs. I can’t explain that, not yet.
I walk back downstairs, and he questions me with his eyes.
“I think for now I just want to dip my toes in.”
“We could fish,” Rome suggests, and Ty grabs the poles by the side of the house.
“That would be fun.” And relaxing.
The guys are throwing a football around in the water as we dip our poles in, and Ariel and Ivy are paddle boating. This turned out to be a better day than when it started.
I feel a wet nose on my shoulder, and I look up to see Ice. I pet his back, and he settles in next to me. I smile when I see Peanut laying down in Rome’s lap.
“Don’t start.” He points at Silas.
“Not going to say a word.” He can’t help but laugh.
“Fuck off,” Rome mutters.
“I think it’s cute,” I say, and Rome winks at me.
Silas falls over laughing, and we join in.
I am so thankful for everyone here, and I’m glad they didn’t judge me.
Hopefully, I can move on.
CHAPTERTHIRTY
DAYTON
I throw my stuff in my bag, guilt and sadness washing over me. I can hear them outside, and I wish I could join them.
“You ready?” Brice can’t meet my eyes. I follow him out, my chest feels like a weight is pressing on it. I can’t breathe, I’m so upset.
We drive to his house in silence. I’m surprised he’s even letting me near Leia. I’m shocked he’s not writing me off.
“Up the stairs, to the left, that’s your room,” he says, and I just nod in response. I don’t know what else to do. He doesn’t want to talk to me right now, and I get it. I wouldn’t want to talk to me either. I can’t forget the look in Timber’s eyes, hurt and anger.
I was upset when Snow left me, but this is a new feeling. It’s worse than what I felt when I lost Snow.
Timber is special and needs to be treated that way every day. She deserves it.
Brice knocks on the door. “Ready to talk?”
“I’ll be down in a minute,” I reply. No, I don’t want to talk to him, but maybe I need to. He can help me.
I hope he will believe me and then help me.
He is sitting at his kitchen table, staring out into the back yard. This is the first time I’ve been to his house, considering we haven’t talked in ten years.
“You have a nice home.” I take a seat across from him.
“Thanks.”
“Where’s Leia?”
“She’s visiting family,” he says sharply. Okay, guess she’s off limits for now.
