If I thought her reaction had been a fluke, the way she did zoomies on the island, dashing across the laptop once more before leaping to the back of the couch, proved otherwise.
“Fuck. I guess that’s a yes.”
Atlas:
Fine
Laurel:
Knew you’d cave. I’ve had that one picked out since the first day. I just had to wear you down first.
Huffing out a laugh, I strolled around the island, intent on closing Sutton’s laptop so Pandora didn’t cause any trouble with it. But as I reached to do just that, words on the screen caught my attention.
Job opportunity. Impressive credentials. Mid-November.
Boston.
All the air left me in a whoosh as I dropped into the seat, unable to tear my gaze away from the screen. Or the reply she’d sent.
Thank you so much for this offer. Could I have a couple days to get back to you?
I’d been tackled by some of the biggest, meanest football players in history, but not even those had felt as jarring as this. She was…leaving?
My phone buzzed with a text, Sutton’s name popping up on the screen.
Sutton:
Can we talk when I get back?
Talk about her moving to Boston. Probably wanted to know if I’d let her out of her lease early so she could make that November start date.
The pain that shot through my chest caught me off guard. I shouldn’t care this much—not when the entire basis of ourrelationship had been built on a lie. But the thought of Sutton and Laurel walking out of my life hollowed me out in a way I couldn’t explain.
I rubbed at my sternum, trying to ease the tightness there. Boston would be good for them—more opportunities, better schools, more pay. This was the smart move, and Sutton always had Laurel’s best interests at heart. I’d be a selfish prick to stand in her way…to ask her to stay. For what? This small town? Me?
She deserved better. They both did.
Atlas:
No need. Pandora stepped on your keyboard, so I saw the email.
Sutton:
Pandora?
Atlas:
The kitten. The name was your daughter’s idea.
Sutton:
We can talk about that too. I’ll be there soon.
Atlas:
I meant what I said. There’s no need. It sounds like a great opportunity for you. I bet Laurel will love the bigger city. And don’t worry about the lease.
I’d let my guard down with Sutton. Allowed her to glimpse the parts of me I’d never shared with anyone else. I had no interest in repeating that mistake. Letting people in was something I couldn’t afford—not when they always ended up walking away.
