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“Both of you. I’d like both of you to stay. Unless it’s too hard for you.” I can’t imagine how she feels. Someone breaking your heart one minute, then asking you to stay the next. “I would understand if you want to go.”
“I’d like that and I want you to know your son, Kase. He’s amazing, and he reminds me of you at that age. Over confident and stubborn,” she smirks.
As if on cue, Reed barges through the door, talking to Cody, “Yep, I have a girlfriend. Except she doesn’t know it yet.”
Everly gives me an I told you so look.
“Reedster, I’m not sure that qualifies as a girlfriend,” Cody says, ruffling Reed’s wet hair.
“Pshh. We eat together every day and she passes me notes in class. We’re unofficially boyfriend and girlfriend.”
“Oh, notes, huh?” I joke. “It must be serious.”
He shrugs, falling back into the couch. “I kinda like her friend too.”
Cody and I bark out laughing. Already playing the field.
I glance at Everly, who’s giving Reed the evil eye. “He’s not like me. I only had eyes for one girl,” I say quietly as I pass her and plop down beside Reed.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Everly
He doesn’t mean to twist the knife. But his words cause so much pain. What’s worse, he’s only loved two women who are identical, yet his heart belongs to one. And it’s not me.
It was a mistake to come here. I hoped I could change his mind because of Reed. Use his guilt against him. God, I was naïve and stupid. I’m not this person. I’m a stay-at-home mom who volunteers on PTA, bakes all day just so I can hand goodies out to everyone the next day. Sweet, loving, everyone’s best friend, volunteer of the year… that’s me.
Now, I’ve ruined everything.
Kase and Reed joke around in the living room and I gravitate toward the kitchen. Doing what I do best, baking. Searching the cabinets, I’m surprised to find a lot of the ingredients. I sigh to myself, forgetting that Ellie is probably here a lot. I wonder if she enjoys baking as much as I do? My eyes flicker to Kase’s muscular body. At least I know she doesn’t bake for him very much if she does.
“Is there a store nearby? I want to get a few things.”
Kase glances up at me with a brow cocked. “There’s a small market next door. Do you want me to run and get something?”
“No. Stay here and hang out with Reed. I’ll be right back.”
His quizzical expression stays on his face. He’s wondering if I’m coming back. Under the circumstances, running away sounds ideal, but I’d never leave Reed. He’s the one stable thing in my life. He’s always been. Knowing one thing in a world of unknowns holds a lot of power. He’s a part of me. I worked hard to build a solid life for him even though mine was broken.
It'll be hard sharing him with Kase. Another reason I wanted us to be a family. My heart aches when I imagine him around Ellie. It’s selfish of me to hope she’s decided the situation is too much and breaks up with Kase. I can see the determination in his eyes though. He won’t let that happen.
For ten months, I wondered how he had left me so easily after my accident. Piecing together the puzzle when my memory returned, I recall him coming to see me once. And then I never saw him again. It wasn’t until Wayne told me what happened—that he thought he killed his dad—and wasn’t left with a choice other than to leave, did I understand. I don’t blame him. I blame my dad. Hearing what my dad was capable of, the man who would move mountains for me, broke a piece off my heart. My heart has taken a beating lately.
The quaint small beach town is lovely. It’s not home, but it’s beautiful here. The red brick buildings rich in history, the thick greenery everywhere reminds me of home in spring after we get hit with heavy showers. I’ve never smelled salt, but the humid air is filled with it. The dark clouds out over the ocean, look turbulent yet fascinating, leaving you wanting to sit and watch the storm unfold.
It's my life.
“Good afternoon, Ellie,” the door greeter says as I walk through the automatic doors. I freeze and stare at him. His genuine grin fades. “Are you feeling okay?”
“I… I’m fine.” I want to ask if I really look like her, if he can find anything different about me. Kase can tell us apart, why can’t everyone else? I’m an intruder. It’s like déjà vu when I first lost my memory. I hated it then just as much as I hate it now. Reliving the feeling makes me sick to my stomach. I peek at his badge and say with a polite smile, “Have a good day, George.” I avoid eye contact with anyone else in the store.
Two more people greet me—Ellie—before I could get back to the apartment. I’ve abandoned any thoughts of walking down to the beach to give Kase and Reed some time alone. I can’t pretend I’m someone else. It’s not worth my sanity.
“That was quick,” Kase says, coming into the kitchen, tugging each bag open to peek inside. “Whatcha’ making? And do you need any help licking the bowl?”
“Hey! That’s my job,” Reed exclaims, coming in behind him. He jumps up and down when he sees the ingredients. “Mom! You’re making peach cobbler! Kase, wait until you try it, it’s so freakin’ good.”
“Um, watch your mouth, or you’re not getting any.” He looks down away from my pointed glare but hides a smile.
