“He’s scared.” I say this with certainty because I know Ames better than anyone. “He thinks this is a rebound. He thinks I’m going to change my mind. And I think he’s telling himself he can save our friendship somehow if he keeps it separate from our physical relationship.”
“Hmm.”
“He’swrong.” I give her a sideways smile. “He’s protecting himself. And I get it. I think… I think he had feelings for me for a long time and never felt like he could admit it because there was no possibility of more.” I rub my breastbone because it hurts to think of that brave, beautiful man carrying that pain.
Dr. Colburn makes a note on her pad, and I imagine it sayswho is this guy and where is Robbie Wojcik?But the truth is, I’ve been here all along. I just needed to stop hiding behind the things I thought everyone wanted me to be.
I just needed to point my sailboat toward the shore.
“So, then.” She glances up. “What’s your plan?”
“Keep waiting. Keep being patient. Show him through actions, not words, that I’m not going anywhere. I told Mike the other day that he needed to stoptryingto be agood dad and just be one. And… I guess that’s my plan with Ames too.” I meet her eyes. “I’m not going to try and convince him I’m in this. I’m just… going to be in it. Until and unless he tells me to go.”
I shoot her a sheepish grin. “And maybe even after that.”
I’m heading backto my truck when a familiar, gruff voice calls my name. “Robbie! Hey!”
Wilder Thomas—Ames’s cousin—lopes toward me with an easy grin on his face. He’s been gone for a month on his annual motorcycle trip, and he looks tanned and relaxed.
“Wilder, hey!” I pull him in for a back-slapping hug. “I didn’t know you were back yet. How was your trip?”
“Incredible, man. Hit up twelve states across the southwest. Mostly good weather, too, until I got back here. My ass is still recovering. I’ll show you some pics tonight, if you want.”
It takes me a second to remember Axford family dinner’s tonight. We haven’t had one since Ames was injured.
“Yeah, we’ll be there,” I say before wondering if agreeing to things on Ames’s behalf is more coupley than he’d like us to be. A couple of months ago, I wouldn’t have hesitated, so it’s annoying that I feel the need now. “I mean,Iwill. Ames too, probably.”
Wilder nods, not noticing anything strange. “Hey, so Jace mentioned your brother came by looking for work?—”
My jaw tightens, but I keep my voice calm. “I heardthat too. But don’t hire him as a favor to me, Wilder. Mike needs to sort his own shit.”
Wilder’s eyes study my face for a moment. “Got it. Tough line to draw with family.”
Wilder’s an Axford, so it takes me a minute to remember that his dad—Ames’s uncle—is kind of a shithead. One who didn’t stick around long enough to give his son his last name. Maybe this shouldn’t make me feel better, but it does.
I’m not the only one who was dealt a bad hand in the family department. But I’m starting to see it’s not only about the family you’re born into.
When I pullup outside Watchfire at five thirty, Ames is already waiting outside, pacing up and down Whether Street like he’s on patrol. The second my truck comes to a stop, he opens the passenger door and mutters, “Drive! Drive!Drive!”
He slides as far down in the passenger’s seat as he can with his sling on, and it’s all I can do not to grab his face and kiss the hell out of him.
“Are we on the lam?” I demand instead, amused, as I pull away from the curb. “Did Rocco finally call you on your inability to chill over the sourdough starter?”
“No.” He shoots me a glare. “Mildred Buckle saw us leaving your house together this morning.”
“Okay.” I nod. “And?”
“AnnnndMildred asked if I was doing okay or if I still needed help.”
I cast a glance sideways. Ames has straightened in his seat, and he’s fixing his hair in the visor mirror.
“And?” I prompt.
“AnnnndPerky Halloran was there and said it was so sweet that you’re taking care of me and I’m lucky to have such a goodfriend. Especially when you’redealing with your breakup from Lissa.” He huffs out a breath. “I should’ve known this would happen.”
“Amesie…” I shake my head. “Baby, what’s happening exactly?”
“Theyknow! They know you and I are… that we…” He thrusts out a hand and waves it around like he’s hoping the words will materialize by magic. When they don’t, he finally says, “Are fucking around.”
