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“I’m sorry about that,” he says, his expression turning serious. “But I’m glad nothing worse happened to you.”
There is an intensity in his eyes that knocks the wind out of me. When he glances over at Tex I take a deep breath, and blow it out.
“And what about you?” I ask. “How do you feel?”
He glances at me, his eyebrows pulled together. “What do you mean?”
“Since being back,” I clarify. “Have you been good?”
He’s silent for a few seconds before responding, “I guess. I’m taking it slowly; I’m grateful for my support, and I know that eventually I’ll be fine.”
“Your family loves you so much.”
“Who have you been talking to?” His brows arch playfully.
“Evie,” I chuckle. “I spoke to her a few days ago.”
“Talking about family…” Liam starts. “How’s yours? Have you spoken to your mom and sister about what happened?”
“My mom, no. And thankfully, she’s not nagging me about it. I spoke to Stacy right before I left home, and she didn’t seem to understand.”
“I’m sorry,” Liam says softly. “Not everyone will understand, Penny. But you need to live your life for you. I hope Andrew will understand one day. I’m sure that was hard for him.”
“Andy.” I let out a shaky breath. “He won’t even talk to me. I can’t blame him, but I just wish I could know if he was okay.”
Liam leans back against the tree but doesn’t say a word. I know he’s listening, so I continue. “I feel terrible. I’m such an awful person for embarrassing him like that. It was such a cruel and insensitive thing to do. I don’t—”
“I’m going to have to stop you right there, ma’am,” Liam says. "I won’t let you speak bad about yourself because of what happened. No one might understand it yet, but I’m sure you did what you felt was best for everyone, not just you. And I’m sure Andrew will understand in due time.”
I glance at Liam with my brows arching and my mouth forming an O. Liam knows Andrew; he knows what he’s talking about. I turn away and take a deep breath.
“I don’t know the type of person he is now, but I can vouch for his kindness based on who he was when I knew him. If there was anyone I’d want you to end up with, he would be a top choice.”
My heart drops at Liam’s words, and I take a deep breath, hoping the tears pushing at the back of my eyes won’t fall. “He’s still kind,” I sigh. “One of the kindest men I’ve ever met.”
“See. Then he will forgive you. In his time,” Liam says gently.
“I hope you’re right,” I whisper.
“I’m so sorry, Penny.”
“Me too. I hope he knows I did love him the best I could and that I gave the best I was capable of.”
“You speak so highly of him,” Liam says after a moment. “I’m confused, to be honest. You say you love him, but yet you couldn’t marry him. I don’t understand why.”
I turn my head slowly, contemplating whether or not to tell him the truth. Doesn’t he realize that he’s my soul mate? We were glued to each other from the time we first met. Even before we started dating, we were the best of friends. Maybe things are so different for him now that he no longer feels the same about me. It’s hard to imagine that’s true, but what if it is?
Since he's been back, his behavior has been completely unpredictable. A few days ago, he blew me off, and now he’s talking to me like it never happened, even though we haven’t been in contact for almost a decade. Should I tell him how I feel? Will it change anything?
His eyes meet mine, and my heart races. My stomach swirls, but I know I am not leaving here without telling him how I feel about him.
“Andrew is great, but he isn’t you.”
Liam’s brows dips in confusion, and he stares at me unblinkingly. “Penny, what do you mean?”
“I told you I didn’t marry Andrew because I wasn’t in love with him…” I say slowly. Liam nods, his gaze never leaving mine. “But I am in love with someone else.”
Liam frowns. “Were you in love with this someone else the entire time you were with Andrew?”
