My life was there.
And as much as I wanted to get wrapped up in this woman, I knew I couldn’t go there.
So, our next chapter would have to be a friendship.
And I’d have to learn to deal with it.
Regardless of how badly I wanted her.
* * *
Brinkley
Mom just told me that Presley is coming to Sunday dinner. Why have you failed to mention this?
Georgia
What? She’s still in town? Have you been talking to her?
Finn
Did you not know that they got snowed in on their little road trip? And what are the chances that there was only one motel… with one room… and one bed? Cue the dramatic music.
What are the chances that you just won dick of the year, you asshat? So much for bro code.
Hugh
I’m glad I’m not dick of the year. But the whole thing is… interesting.
Brinkley
I’m still processing Sunday dinner, and now we find out that you went on a romantic vacation with your ex-girlfriend, who you’re still clearly in love with.
Georgia
This has the makings of an epic second-chance romance. I’m telling Ashlan to use this for inspiration for her next book.
Ashlan was our cousin, who was a bestselling romance author. Georgia and her husband owned a publishing house, so, in Georgia’s mind, everything had the potential to be a book these days.
For fuck’s sake. Her dad needed me to check out a horse. There is no romance here. She’s leaving. She lives in New York. I live here. I have a child and responsibilities. Nothing happened in that motel room, aside from me wearing long johns that were clearly not made for a normal-sized human.
Hugh
I’ve never seen long underwear that wasn’t made for small humans. It’s like trying to fit a five-pound sausage into a two-pound bag. That shit doesn’t work.
Brinkley
I can already tell that Hugh knows more… He’s diverting the conversation and trying to focus on the ridiculous fashion you’re referencing. And Finny didn’t reply and make a sausage-penis joke, which means he’s afraid to say the wrong thing.
Georgia
How did you get that from their response?
Brinkley
I’m a reporter. I can see through bullshit a mile away.
Finn