“Ready?” I call from the foyer, grabbing my keys from the hook.

“Yup, let’s go beautiful.” He replies, opening the front door and holding his arm out, gesturing for me to go. “Ladies first,” he says, winking. I lock up and we walk to the car. The weather is perfect. Not too cold, not too warm, and little humidity. My hair might actually look normal for once. Shocker.

We get to the box office with five minute to spare. “We have to hurry the previews are my favorite,” I say to him, grabbing his hand, pulling him towards the snacks.

“God, my ass getting fat is so worth the chocolate covered peanuts. I swear,” I tell him as I look at the candy counter. “So worth it,” I laugh, telling the cashier what I want then handing over my debit card.

“I highly doubt anyone complains about the size of your ass Em, probably just the opposite.” Looking downwards he smirks.

“Okay, moving on. Let’s go. I love scary movies, I’m so excited!” I tell him as we walk towards the theatre.

We make it into the theatre as the previews begin to roll and take our seats. He reaches for my hand and takes it, running his thumb back forth over the soft skin. I look down at our hands andthen at him, but make no move to pull away. This, I’m okay with. I can take baby steps, right? I feel like the past few days have been a move in the right direction, but last night knocked me a few steps back. I can’t decipher between what was real and what I imagined. It felt real and my heart aches for Hale.

The movie passes relatively quickly it seems. I jump a few times and hear Tyler laugh under his breath. I elbow him huffing, “Not funny, ass, I just don’t like things jumping out at me!”

Right, he mouths right back, his handsome face tipping up in a grin.

After the movie we head to meet B and Nash for dinner at the diner. Apparently Nash texted Tyler asking if we wanted to meet up. I’m going to kill Blayr. This is hard enough for me, without having an audience.

We arrive at the diner and he walks to the other side of the car to open my door and holds out his hand. I grasp it, stepping out. We walk into the diner and spot them right by the door.

“Hey y’all!” B says, looking up from her menu.

I give her the look. The look that says I’m not talking to you for at least a day. She just smirks. The bitch.

“Have y’all ordered?” Tyler asks.

“Nope, this one can’t make up her mind to save her life,” Nash gestures towards B.

The waitress arrives and we all put in our order, including a very large margarita for yours truly. It has been hell the past few days and I want to unwind.

Interrupting my thoughts, B says,” How about we go out after this? I’m in the mood to dance!” As soon as the words leave her mouth, I’m saying “No thanks. I’m still not feeling a hundred percent. I think I’m going to go visit Nan. Maybe watch a movie with her or something.”

Our food arrives, breaking the awkward silence that has settled at the table and we all dig in. I clear my plate, apparently starving. With everything that’s been going on, eating is the last thing on my mind. Tyler pays for my dinner and we walk to the car. He opens my door, helps me in and then lets himself in.

“Where does your Nan live? I don’t mind dropping you off,” he says softly, as if he’s testing the waters. He probably thinks I’m mentally ill with the hot and cold routine. I sigh, “It’s just been a really rough few weeks Tyler, I’m sorry. I’m battling some demons and depending on the day, I’m losing. I lost someone that meant more than anything to me and I’m still struggling. I’m not ready for a boyfriend. I’m just looking for friendship. Can we be friends?” I say as sincerely as I can.

“Of course Em, I’m not trying to push you. I would love to be your friend,” he says and my body visibly relaxes. I don’t want to lose his friendship, but he has to know that I can’t offer him anything more than that.

He drops me off at home so I can drive my own car. He even walks me to the front door and I feel a pang of guilt in my stomach. I feel bad for not being able to be what he needs, but still grateful he isn’t bitter. “I’ll see you soon?” I whisper to him, pulling him to me for a hug, “Thanks, Ty.” I kiss his cheek and unlock the door, stepping inside. I run upstairs and pack a small overnight bag to bring to Nan’s. I head back downstairs and grab my keys and lock up. Throwing my bag in the backseat, I get inside and crank the radio up to drown out the thoughts running through my head.

I pull up at Nan’s and cut my car off. Staring at Hale’s house sitting dark and quiet. I decide to go look around and see if it seems like anyone has been there. Granted, I think Nan would have told me if she saw someone, but I just can’t shake the feeling that I’m missing something- that the big picture is so much bigger than I realized.

Leaving my bag and keys on the hood of my car, I use my cellphones flashlight to guide the way. It’s dark and creepy, but I need to do this for some peace of mind. I tiptoe up the stairs and try to peer inside the window next to the front door. My flashlight causes a glare on the window and I see the curtains are pulled closed. Hearing a noise I whip around, my flashlight shining in front of me. I see nothing, so I head around to the shop where Hale used to work on the Camaro. Walking to the door, I step inside and see a dim light hanging above the Camaro.

My jaw hits the ground, and my heart beats out of my chest. There stands Hale Jarreau, wrench in hand, staring right back at me.

Hale

I heard her the second she drove up. I know her better than she probably knows herself. I can predict her next move before she even decides on it and I knew it wouldn’t be long before she ended up here. It was a mistake going to the club that night and it was a mistake showing up at the Harvest Festival. I knew that when I did it, but I couldn’t stay away. That’s me, a glutton for punishment.

I moved back into Dad’s house a few days ago, but I’ve been doing my best to keep quiet and not draw attention. I’m not ready for the whole town to be in my business- not that I ever will be. We stand there in a silent stare off, neither of us wanting to break the moment. I take a moment to appreciate her body, one that my body aches for every night in my dreams. My hands itch to run down her body, my dick jerking against my zipper when I see how she’s filled out since I’ve been gone. I hate to see the pain in her eyes and know that I’ve caused it. I hate knowing she will hate me as soon as I open my mouth, but I also know it’s what’s right. I can’t be the person to take all the good away from her. Her hair is long now, almost to her ass. Her perfect heart shaped ass that sits in those jeans begging for my touch.

“Hey Ember,” I say, my eyes never leaving her.

She raises her hand to her mouth to try to stop the sob that escapes. Her whole body begins shaking and the sight destroys me.

“A-a-ar-e yyo-uu real?” she stutters, barely able to form her words. “I can’t be dreaming. You have to be here.” Always my Sweet Girl.

I drop the wrench onto the work bench and pick up the old rag that sits on the car.

My mind is fighting a war with my heart, and my body, not knowing who to listen to, stays stuck in place. I want to comfort her, hold her and tell her it’ll all be all right, but I can’t open that door. I can’t let her think I can be that person. I’m not the person she used to know.

“No one knows I’m here Ember, you can’t tell anyone. I just want everyone to leave me in peace.” My voice is low and scratchy with emotion, strangled at best.

She moves towards me slowly, taking hesitant steps, and for each step she takes, I take a step back. “Hale, you’re alive! I can’t even believe you’re standing here in front of me! Do you know how many nights I cried myself to sleep? How many times I begged God to take me instead of you? Do you know what my life has been like? I need to touch you, please let me touch you. I don’t understand, why are you doing this to me?” She sounds close to hysteria.