“You did?”Ashlyn asked.
Christy nodded.“He is one I never regretted ending things with.We went to high school with him.He’s not worth your regrets or your tears.I know you were together a long time, but trust me, you are better off without him.”
“Thanks,” Ashlyn said softly.“It’s not easy to see that in the moment.”
“I know.But you will see it one day.When you meet the right person.”Christy chuckled.“Listen to me talking like I have any idea what the hell I’m saying.I have no grounds for telling anyone anything about healthy relationships.”
“But you know unhealthy ones.We could write a book on those,” Ashlyn teased.
“We should!Oh, the stories I could tell you.”
Ashlyn laughed.
Josh’s words rang in my mind as Ashlyn and Christy bonded over their failed relationships.
I wanted to ask if he wanted more kids.If he was Christy’s age, he could still have kids.As many as he wanted.
If he was with someone else.
My lack of interest in having children was what ended things with Landon.He found his happiness with someone who wanted the same thing he did.I was happy for him.
But I wanted to find my own happiness.And I was falling for a man who might not fit into my future plans.
Again.
Eighteen
Josh
Reegan was quiet.She was engaged and talkative on the boat, but she’d been quiet most of the evening.Since she went to shower.I wanted to ask her what was wrong, but I wasn’t sure if it was my place.
What were we?A summer fling didn’t feel like the right label for us.We were getting to know each other and spending time with each other’s friends.That didn’t mean we needed to tell each other everything, but I felt like we were more than casual.
I tried to pull her into the conversation a few times, but she always went back to her quiet presence after a minute.It was worrying me, but Ashlyn didn’t seem as concerned, so I did my best not to let it bother me.
Christy yawned loudly, stretching her arms above her head.She slumped in her seat, then pushed to her feet.“I need to head home.If I don’t, I might fall asleep on my walk.”
“Do you want me to walk you?”I offered.
She shook her head.“No, but if I wait any longer, I will need you to carry me.”She chuckled, then bent to hug Ashlyn.“It was really good getting to know you today.I hope we can do it again.”
“Me, too,” Ashlyn said.“And please let me know if you need anything.Even if it’s just to not be alone.”
Christy nodded.“Thanks.”She turned to Reegan and hugged her, too.“How long are you in town?”
Reegan avoided my gaze and shrugged.“I’m not sure yet.”
“But a little longer?I don’t want to miss seeing you again.”
“Definitely a little longer.At least a few more weeks.”
“Okay, good.It was good to get to know you, too.”
“Same,” Reegan said with a smile.
Christy offered me her knuckles for a fist-bump.“Bye.”
“No hug for me,” I teased her.
