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She swats at my arm. “Yes, this again. You found your way back to each other, and now’s your chance to keep her.” She circles the towel over the plate as she dries it. “I actually think it’s better this way.”
I turn to face her, crossing my arms despite my wet hands. “And why is that?”
“Because it allows her to be honest with everyone here, but most importantly, herself.”
I narrow my eyes at my mother. “Honest about what?”
Mom’s knowing smile returns. “She has a lot on her mind right now, Easton. Give her time. I’m sure she’ll start being honest with you too.”
Chapter 19
Lennon
A Volcanic Eruption of Truth
“The ranch has grown so much.” It’s the first thing I’ve said since we got in his truck, but that’s because I was looking for something neutral as a topic of conversation.
Ever since Valerie screwed with my brain, I haven’t been able to focus much on anything other than the details she shared with me about Easton.
“That boy has wanted to be more than your friend for a long time, honey. The question is, do you want that too?”
“Lennon?”
“Yeah?” I ask, twisting to look at Easton while wondering how long I was zoned out this time.
“Are you okay?” He reaches up and flips his baseball cap backward.
God, why is that move so freaking hot?
“My mom freaked you out, huh?”
I sigh. “I mean, not really…”
“I should have told you that she knew the truth. I always meant to, but…”
“It definitely would have been nice to know that beforehand, but I’m not mad.”
About that detail, anyway.
“So did she tell you about something bizarre I did as a kid to traumatize you, or what?”
Traumatized, maybe.
Freaked out, not so much.
No, irritation is closer—at least for now.
“No. I just…she gave me a lot to think about.”
“Sounds about right.”
“Mostly, she just made me realize how lucky I am not to be doing this alone like she did.” Staring out the side window, I watch the grass in the fields sway in the wind as darkness overtakes the sky.
Tennessee really is beautiful. I know I’ve had the chance to see so much of the world outside of this little town, more than most people. But Garnet Valley will always be home.
Easton reaches over and grabs my hand, giving it a squeeze. “I told you that you’d never have to do this alone, Lennon. And I meant it.”
Yeah, but is that because you want there to be more between us?
