“What?”
“Will…left.”
I plop back onto my heels, eyes wide. “What do you mean?”
“He left. As in, went home. He was always planning to drive back after the reception. He said his goodbyes several minutes ago. He tried to find you for you, but you were…busy.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
WILL
I blast my family’s Carlton Landing song as I cruise past Dollar General’s glowing yellow lights. This song usually puts me in a good mood. Today, the beat falls flat. I grip my steering wheel, willing myself to put the evening’s events out of my head.
I’m not mad, really. Neither Morgan nor I were open to the setup. In fact, we were both against it.
But therewasa point when I thought things started to change. I guess not.
I pull into a gas station and begin filling my tank. Since there’s only one on my path to the highway, I shouldn’t be surprised to find myself atthegas station—the one where I met Morgan.
I lean against my car in the humid evening and glare at the spot where we crashed into each other. Would this weekend have been different if it hadn’t happened? Would I still be at the wedding right now?
Or was she always going to invite Leo?
Loosening my tie, I shake the thought away. Eager for a painless exit, I didn’t take the time to change.
With the gas tank full, I slide back in the car and drive over to a parking spot so I can zip inside for sunflower seeds and coffee.
I swipe my phone and freeze.
There’s a missed call.
From Morgan.
My stomach twists, and I step from my car before swiping it onto my screen.
She didn’t leave a message.
What did she want?
Should I call her back?
My fingers hover over the phone.
But I huff and lower it into my lap.
Or should I let it go? She didn’t even leave a few words in my voicemail. She probably wants Emma’s number or something. But she can get that from someone else.
Too bad we couldn’t have parted on better terms and had a chance to say goodbye. Hudson said she was busy.
Withhim.
This thought solidifies my decision. I shove my phone into my pocket.
With the way I feel right now, I shouldn’t talk to her. Even to say farewell. Not when I know Lenny is hovering over her shoulder.
On this happy thought, I go inside to select a package of pickle-flavored sunflower seeds. It’s late, and those will help me stay awake when the caffeine starts to wear off. The stale odor of fried food and old coffee assaults me as I step into the empty station.
I have an hour and a half drive ahead of me, and I plan to make good time so I can stop by the pool party when I get into town. Hopefully, it goes until late. Scarlet hasn’t been on my mind for days, driven out, of course, by Morgan. After the weekend, I don’t want to pursue that possibility. But the party should be fun—something to look forward to anyway.
