Every instinct in me screams to stop him, to say what’s been sitting in my chest for weeks. To stop pretending I’m not already halfway back, just short of making that final step.
I stay planted, trying my damnedest to ignore the voice screaming inside my head, but when I hear that bell ding over the diner door as West exits, I can’t fight it anymore.
I’ve spent weeks trying to silence that voice, but this time… I listen.
He’s halfway across the parking lot when I burst through the doors, breathing wildly because my heart’s on the line, and I’m about to make that known. But as his name rolls off my tongue, I don’t regret chasing him out here.
Not even a little.
“West!”
He stops and spins, surprised to see me standing there. My shoulders heave with every breath as I go to him, rehearsing what I’ll say, giving myself permission to fall hard and fast.
“Do you have plans tonight?”
His brow tenses with concern. “No. Why, what’s up?”
My heart thunders behind my ribcage, my hands are shaking at my sides.
“I wondered if you could help me with something.”
His head tilts with confusion as he slips both hands into his pockets. “Whatever you need.”
I force my breathing to steady because I can’t mess this up. “I was thinking… you could help me move my things back home. If that’s okay.”
West blinks, like he’s not sure he heard me right, but then awareness sets in. His expression softens, and he doesn’t break his gaze. I still can’t steady my breathing, and I need him to respond. Need to hear him say he wants this too.
But before he says anything, I see it. There’s no smile yet, just this unmistakable look of relief.
“You’re sure?” His voice is low, steady, cautious.
“I’m sure,” I nod.
He doesn’t blink as the wind moves between us. “Because I know I bring it up sometimes, and I just need to know you’re not doing this because you feel pressured.”
I’m already shaking my head. “West… I’m coming home because I want to.”
He holds my gaze a little longer, and I feel the moment he finally gets it. That’s when the smile I was waiting for finally shows up, and the large, warm arms I could live in forever pull me to his chest. So tight I can’t tell whose heartbeat is whose.
“So, tonight?” I ask.
He squeezes tighter. “Tonight.”
*
@QweenPandora:
Wow, lovelies.
It’s been a long time coming, but according to this pic, it seems the royal couple have FINALLY rekindled their love.
A hug shared in the parking lot of Dusty’s Diner is a fitting place for these two to make amends, and while I was just as addicted to the drama as the rest of you, I’m actually glad they got their act together.
I mean, now we can finally shift our focus toothermembers of the #GoldenCrew.
For now, there seems to be peace in the city of Cypress Pointe, but I think we all know the drill. There’s always a moment of calm right before a storm rolls in, leaving a path of destruction.
So, rest easy for now, but be on guard for whatever comes next.
