Page 121 of Unspoken Hearts
Aspen pouts, skipping over to her dad. Sawyer gives Macie a lopsided smile. “Are you okay?”
Macie shakes her head, and I lead her out of the house towards my ute, her body warm against mine.
“Do you think Laynie will be annoyed that I’ve put her between Gray and I?” she asks once we’re in and I’ve switched on the engine.
“No. I’m sure she’s just concerned, as friends are.” I try to sound encouraging, but I can tell by the frown on her face that she’s not feeling very relieved.
Chapter thirty-four
Macie
ThemainstreetofAshwood Creek is blocked off and lined with wooden stalls that are still being decorated. Colourful native flowers hang in bunches from street lamps with string lights that’ll be lit this evening. The annualAshwood Creek Summer Festivalbanner has been strung up between the pub and police station, hanging above the road like a hand painted welcome sign. People crowd the centre, carrying boxes, hanging up signs, while kids run around.
I sniff as Reid shuts off the car along a side road. Sawyer jumps out first. I feel like a piece of me has been torn off and discarded, leaving it bleeding and bruised, and honestly, I don’t know if it’ll ever be restored.
I wish Grayson had just heard me out, given me time to explain everything, but I knew from the sharpness of his stare that he couldn’t deal with it. He could barely look at me let alone listen to me, and that stung.
Exhaling, my hands are still shaking. Reid reaches over, cupping them with his large, rough one. “Do you want to wait a bitbefore we go?”
Eyes lifting to his kind ones, I shake my head. “The longer I wait, the more I'll overthink everything,” I tell him. I’ve been let down enough times to know how I'll react, only this time, itwasmy fault.
Nodding, Reid gives my hands one more squeeze before getting out of the car. I take a moment to try to settle my racing heart. My door swings open where Reid stands, waiting for me.
Jumping down, Sawyer is taking crates off the tray. I pick one up with trembling arms when Reid stops me. “These are heavy. Go find Laynie. Sawyer and I will take these to Mum.”
I silently nod, turning on my heel and walking into the throng of townsfolk. Some people stare at my tear-stained face, while others make an effort to look away, but I see the flicker of concern in them. I’ve been here long enough to know that they’ll be talking about this, just like when I arrived with Axel, and when Lucy took off. It’s true that small towns talk, but I hate being the one gossiped about, and this will be no different.
Passing Paisley’s mum, Tilly, she comes out from behind the stacks of books they’re putting out on display and her gaze meets mine. I watch it drop, along with my heart into my stomach as she holds out her hand to stop me.
Paisley looks exactly like her. Shoulder length inky hair, dark features and skin. She’s beautiful, both inside and out, and I’m slightly envious that Paisley has such a lovely mother as well.
Maybe I’m just really unlucky…
“Macie, what’s wrong, dear?” Tilly’s voice is as gentle as always.
Wiping my face again, I shake my head, not wanting to bother her. She pulls me into her stall, out of the eye of our prying neighbours. Her hands hold onto my shoulders.
Paisley looks up from the box of books at her feet. “Macie, what happened?” She sounds just as concerned.
My throat works as I tell them about Grayson and Reid. Paisley’s mouth juts open, almost in disbelief before pulling me into a hug. I soften in her hold, absorbing her comfort.
She murmurs in my ear, “I’m so sorry.”
“No, I’m the sorry one. I just ruined my friendship with the first real friend I had, and I don’t…” I inhale, forcing my heart to keep steady. “I don’t know how to fix it.”
“Are you sure you need to be here today? Don’t you want some time for yourself first?”
I shake my head. “Laynie wants to see me. Grayson drove to hers to get away from me.”
“Maybe it’ll be good to speak with her since she knows the two of you so well,” Tilly adds, looking at her daughter. “I’m fine on my own to keep setting up until your brother comes if you want to go with Macie?” she suggests, raising her brows at her daughter.
Paisley nods, looping her arm through mine and giving me a faint smile. “I’ll walk you down.”
“Do you know where the Golden Hour stall is?”
She dips her chin, shiny black hair draped over her shoulders in tight curls. We make our way down hill in the sun. The air has the first hints of autumn, crisp and earthy, as well as lingering sweet smelling candles and sugary snacks. Country music floats through the main street, soft and distant as the warmer breeze drifts along my skin.
“We all got a festival map, so I know roughly where it is,” Paisley answers after a moment.
