“It really is kind of out in the middle of nowhere, too,” he went on. “It’s a tiny, tiny town, not like a big resort area or anything.” He paused. “It’s leaf-peeping season, so it might be crowded, but it’s not usually too bad.”
“Wait, leaf peeping?” I cocked a brow. “That’s… that’s a thing?”
“Well, yeah.” He glanced at me. “It’s a thing here, too.”
“Yeah, but there’s going out and checking out the leaves in your area, and there’s flocking to towns in the middle of nowhere to see the leaves.” I narrowed at him. “Are you a closet leaf peeper?”
Eric barked a laugh. “Nah. I mean, I’ll stop and take photos, and it really does look pretty amazing when they’re at their peak. But actually plan a trip around the colors of leaves?” He wrinkled his nose and shook his head. “Not me.”
“Okay. I’m just making sure you’re not a weirdo.”
“Oh come on, it’s notthatweird.”
“It is too!”
“Uh-huh. Well, peep the leaves out there and then tell me if people are weird for making a trip for it.”
I eyed him dubiously. “I kind of feel like we should lay money on this, but then I feel like it’s going to bite me in the ass.”
Eric shrugged innocently. “Your call. Take a risk if you’re so sure, or take the safe route like a coward.”
“Ooh, those are fighting words, my friend!”
“Uh-huh. And?” He flashed me a grin. “You gonna fight or not?”
I rolled my eyes. “Jesus Christ. No, I am not making bets aboutleaves.”
“Chickenshit.”
“Asshole.”
We exchanged glares, then laughed as he continued slogging us through the dense traffic.
It felt good to break out of the numbness and banter with someone. It felt great to have something to look forward to. I had no doubt the real emotions would crack through eventually. A breakup like this didn’t just go away. At some point, I was going to feel it. So was Eric.
But right this minute, as we inched farther and farther away from the smoldering wreckage of both of our relationships with Selena…
I let myself feel better.
I let myself breathe.
CHAPTER 7
ERIC
The day I was supposed to marry Selena was a tough one. My parents set up an impromptu and low-key get-together for our side of the family and the friends I’d invited. I had no idea how they’d managed to lock down an entire restaurant on such short notice, or how much it was costing them, but they assured me that it was taken care of. Maybe someday I’d ask.
Today, though, I was still in a daze. Still reeling from everything. As hard as I tried to be a gracious host to all my guests, it was tough. It felt like a funeral, with person after person giving me hugs and sympathetic looks as they told me how awful they felt for me. I spent the whole afternoon and evening trying to be stoic and strong, forcing smiles and reassurances that I’d be all right and I appreciated them being there.
Though if one more person had told me“everything happens for a reason”or“someday you’ll be glad this happened,”I’d have ended up in jail. Like fuck, people—I knew it was hard to figure out what to say in these situations, but comeon.
By the time the festivities—such as they were—wound down, I was ready to run for the hills. I needed to get away fromeveryone and everything. Oddly enough, I was looking forward to my “honeymoon” even more than I had been before my world had caved in. Before, I’d been excited over the amazing trip I had planned with the person I’d thought was going to be my wife.
Now Ineededevery minute of those three weeks to escape everyone and everything. I needed the time and space to get over this fucked-up breakup and figure out where the hell I went from here.
More than once, I’d debated trying to rescind Jesse’s invitation. I wouldn’t—that would be a dick move—but I admittedly regretted the impulsive suggestion that he take Selena’s ticket. He was good company and probably understood more than anyone what I was feeling these days. I just didn’t wantanycompany right now.
My parents insisted that they, along with my sister and brother-in-law, would help the staff clean up after everyone left. They practically shooed me out the door, and I’m not too proud to admit that I didn’t need much arm-twisting. I owed them all for everything, and I’d definitely be making it up to them as much as I could once the dust settled.
