"No. I want—" I stop. Run a hand through my hair. "I don't know what I want."
"Yes, you do. You want me to make this easy. Want me to agree that leaving is the right choice. That distance is the answer." She takes a step closer. "But I'm not going to do that."
"Callie."
"You can run to Denver. Can put hundreds of miles between us. But it's not going to change anything."
"It might."
"You don't believe that any more than I do."
She's right. I don't believe it. But I'm out of other options.
"I need to go," I tell her. "Finish packing."
"Fine. Go."
I start toward my truck. Stop with my hand on the door.
"The delivery," I say without turning around. "You sure you can handle it alone?"
"I've been handling things alone for a long time."
The words land like an accusation. Maybe that's how she meant them.
I get in the truck and drive away. Don't look back. Can't look back.
The cabin feels empty when I arrive. I spend the next few hours packing. Clothes, laptop, work files. Everything I need for three weeks in Denver.
By noon, I'm done. The truck is loaded. The cabin is locked up. Nothing left to do except leave.
My phone buzzes.
Luke: Safe travels, man. Call when you get there.
Me: Will do.
Luke: And Ethan? Whatever's going on with you and Callie, you need to figure it out.
I stare at the message. Read it three times.
He knows. Somehow, despite everything, Luke knows.
Me: Nothing's going on.
Luke: Right and I'm the Easter Bunny. I'm not blind. I've seen the way you look at her.
My chest tightens. This is it. The conversation I've been dreading.
Me: Luke…
Luke: I'm not mad. Just tell me the truth. Do you have feelings for my sister?
I could lie. Could deny everything and drive to Denver and hope this blows over.
I can't do it.
Me: Yes.
