Page 29 of Rumor Has It

“Hey, stranger.” He offers me a lopsided smile, and I melt into a puddle.

I sweep my hair over my shoulder, buying me time to gather my thoughts. “I-uh wanted to say hello.”

His shoulders slump. “What’s your boyfriend think about you being over here?”

“I wouldn’t know. I don’t have one.”

His eyes snap to mine. “I hadn’t heard.”

“That’s what he said, but he understands now.” I smile when Boone begins to grin.

“I’m sure he was shocked.” His body jerks with amusement. “Are you alright?”

I nod. “Yeah, I’m good. Better now that my I’ve come to my senses. How ridiculously childish of me, I have no words for my actions.”

“They played us both. We never should’ve listened to anyone else.” He averts his eyes, I suppose to ease the blow of my mistakes.

“It’s nothing. As a matter of fact, it was never anything but a stupid mistake.” I shrug, wanting to tell him so much more.

“When?” He searches my face, for what, I haven’t a clue. Maybe truth, love? Both?

“Officially, last week.” I shuffle my feet, embarrassed to admit it to him. “Actually, we were never a couple. He treated me like an accessory, and I knew in my heart I could never care for him.”

“I’m so sorry, Mackenzie. You deserve better than that.” He runs his hand through his hair, and it takes everything in me not to do the same, pulling him to me and kissing him.

“Wow, I’ve made a mess.” I rock back on feet, not sure if I should go or stay until he tells me to leave.

He lifts his shoulders, letting them fall slowly. “No more than I have.”

“Naw, this one’s all on me.” I roll my shoulders. “For the record, he was indignant. Practically debased.”

“Good!” The corner of his mouth lifts. “He needed a dose of his own medicine.”

“I never should’ve listen to him.” I wince, silently admonishing myself.

“You’ve got that right.” He picks up a shell, hurling it into the rising tide. “Did he hurt you?”

“No, not really.” I hang my head. There’s no way I can tell him everything, at least not right now. “It’s not nearly as bad as I’ve hurt you. I’m so sorry.” I’ve never kept anything from him, but now isn’t the time to share this.

“I’ll be fine,” he says through gritted teeth.

“Alrighty then, I suppose that’s my cue. It was good to see you.” I shift my feet. “I hope we can see each other again, before you head out.”

“Maybe…” He hesitates. “I’m packed, ready to hit the road next week.”

“I figured as much.” I slide my foot across the sand. “I didn’t want you to leave without talking to you one last time.”

His head jerks around. “What do you want me to say, Mackenzie? Am I hurt? Yes. Angry? Hell yes! Has this changed things between us? That’s probably the only thing I don’t have an answer for.”

“I know I’ve let you down, us down, but I need you to understand I will never hurt you this way again.” I place my hand on my throat, hoping my heart don’t jump out. I knew this would be rough, but I feel like dying.

“What am I supposed to do, Mackenzie? What exactly is it that you need from me?” He faces me, appearing gaunt.

My breath hitches when my chest seizes. “I guess asking for us to start over, going back to what we had isn’t reasonable?”

“Go back? To what?” Boone lashes out at me.

“To us! I miss us!” The fine thread holding my heart to my head snaps, and I allow him to see me. To look deep inside and take witness of who I am, of who I love. “You’re right, there’s no going back, and I have no one to blame but myself.”