Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 81423 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 407(@200wpm)___ 326(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81423 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 407(@200wpm)___ 326(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
“I want to meet her too.”
From there he went into the interview, his anxiety beforehand, the questions, his replies. Pride swelled in my chest, but that was nothing compared to when he told me about the conversation between him and Steve. Pride, fucking elation, and worry too. “Fuck, Rem. You have no idea what hearing you say that means to me. This was what I wanted for years, and I never thought it would happen. I’m so damn proud of you, but I can’t help feeling guilty too.” What Steve said was right. Remy would bear the brunt of this, and even the good parts would be hard for him because so many aspects of his life would be out there in various ways. “I feel like I’m pushing you. I don’t want to do that. I can wait.”
He shook his head. “I don’t think I can wait anymore. I want my life.”
I wasn’t gonna lie—I wanted that as well. I smiled. “Whatever you want. I’m here.”
“I know.”
“Have you ever considered talking to someone? About the anxiety stuff? And…fuck, everything?” Remy had never had it easy. Not really. He’d felt a different kind of pressure his whole life than what I’d felt, and he’d done it alone. As far as I knew, he got his meds from a psychiatrist, but I didn’t think he talked to a therapist regularly.
He looked at me a second, then leaned in and kissed me. “I think that’s probably a good idea. And…I need to tell her…my mom.”
“Do you want me to go with you?”
“I can’t ask you to do that.”
“You didn’t.”
“So sweet.” He grinned. “Yeah.”
“Tell me when, and we’ll do it.” For this, I’d close the damn restaurant if I had to, but with a little more time, I should be able to get coverage.
Then we were kissing again, kissing and touching and coming for a second time, before we went home to Bear.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Remington
“I appreciate your asking me to hang out today,” I told Griffin as we followed the quiet mountain trail. It was peaceful out here, nothing but nature around us, birds and squirrels and lizards, in trees and on rocks and in leaves. Hiking wasn’t something I’d done much of as an adult. When I was a kid, I’d done it when I needed to get away. When being at my house all the time made the walls feel like they were closing in on me.
“No problem. I felt like getting out a bit, so I hoped you did too.” He’d called last night, which had been a surprise. Sure, he’d said we’d hang out, but people said stuff all the time and it rarely happened. And when it did, I typically felt like it was someone who wanted to be with Remington, not someone who cared about Remy. “Are you liking Havenwood?”
“I am.” I couldn’t help smiling, and Griffin laughed.
“That looks more like the goofy smile Kellan gets when he talks about my bonehead best friend rather than one you give about a town.”
“I’m not gonna lie, Law is a big part of it, but the town seems nice too. I don’t get out much, but I eat breakfast or lunch at Sunrise. Everyone’s kind. Then meeting Law’s friends. That’s…different for me.” I was surprised I’d said that. Talking to people wasn’t my strong suit, but something about Griffin put me at ease. You could tell his brother meant the world to him, his friends too, and when I looked at his relationship with Kellan, I wished I had that with Leslie and Martin.
“Your friends,” Griffin said, then shrugged, almost like he was embarrassed.
“Yeah, thanks. That’s what Law said too.”
“How’d the two of you meet?”
“It was my first night playing in front of people, other than at my church. It was a coffee shop, and he was there with a group of friends. It’s when he was in college. I noticed him right away because…”
“Because he’s Law?” Griffin grinned.
“Exactly.”
“He seems to have that effect on people.”
He did. He always had, but it never went to his head. Sure, he was cocky in a fun, playful way, but Law didn’t see himself the way others did. They stopped in their tracks when he walked by. His personality was electric. He was…he was everything.
“So anyway, I did okay while I was singing. His friends left, and I was surprised he stayed. I had to try not to look at him, or I knew I’d lose my shit.” A laugh tumbled out of my mouth. It was a good memory, that night. “When I was finished with my set, I freaked out a bit, and he…helped. He came outside and talked me through it, and then we walked and talked all night.” It had been the first time in my life I’d ever felt truly seen, and I would never forget that.