“Addison talked to Ella,” he says.
I swallow hard, setting my fishing rod and tackle box aside. “Yeah?”
“She’s pretty upset, man.”
I nod once. The weight getting even heavier now. “I know.”
“If it means anything”—Jesse exhales—“I’d rather shebe upset because of Brantley. I hate that I have to be the one standing here talking toyouabout it.”
That stings.
I shift my weight, jaw tight. “I didn’t mean it like it came out.”
He pushes off his truck, taking a half step forward. “Doesn’t matter.”
“Huh. I know, I just—”
“You’re in love with her.”
My heart stops, jaw clenches, and I hold the air in my chest. Jesse doesn’t flinch.
“Stop denying it,” he adds quickly. “Everyone already knows.”
I let out a breath. “She doesn’t,” I mutter.
“No, she doesn’t, but I wish you’d tell her already. End this nonsense.”
I shake my head. “Not when she’s withhim. I’m not gonna make her choose like that.”
Jesse thinks for a minute, like I actually have a good point.
“Yeah,” he mutters. “I respect that, I do. But don’t walk out on her when things get rocky; don’t do what I did to Ella.”
If that’s not a reality check, I don’t know what is. Part of me forgot everything Jesse and Ella had been through. The ten-year breakup. God, take me now if I have to wait that long for this girl to come to her senses. I’m not strong enough to bear it.
I clear my throat. “As much as I don’t want to, I think a little distance might help.”
Jesse reaches for his truck handle. “Just don’t go too far.”
He starts his truck, the engine rumbling my chest, and diesel exhaust swirls into the air. He gives me a nod goodbye and drives out towards the road. Which leaves me standing there, still feeling the weight of everything hanging over my head.
Chapter 13
Addison
“So, you never finished telling me…did you figure out the issue with the toilet?” Cody asks Jesse from across the table. The forks and spoons tapping on everyone’s plates stop, curious eyes landing on Jesse.
He laughs and reaches his arm around Ella’s chair, rubbing her shoulder. “Uh-huh. Yeah, you see, my beautiful wife here thought pumice stones could be flushed.”
Ella’s cheeks turn rosy, yet a playful smile emerges from her lips as she looks at him.
“Seriously?” Cody says.
“They disintegrate when you use them, so I thought they’d do the same sitting in water.” Ella shrugs.
“It’s astone,” Cody points out.
“Hmm, yeah, but I can see the thought process,” Mom says.
