Page 53 of Ever's Last

We haven’t talked yet. I understand her more since the episode where she and Memphis hashed things out.

“Why is she here?” Linc hisses.

“I invited her and her brothers.” He stares at me as if I grew another head.

“People can change.”

“Even Memphis?” Timber asks.

I leave that alone.

“Hi.” Skye waves at us.

“Hey, come join us. Linc, get her a beer.”

He rolls his eyes but heads to get her one.

“Thanks for inviting us.” She looks around the yard, grills going— yes, multiple grills— pots on the stove, fryer being manned. There are a lot of people here.

“Most of the town is here,” Timber replies.

“I can see that,” Skye says.

Okay, this is awkward.

“Timber, can you excuse us for just a second?”

“Sure.” She leaves as Linc returns with the beer.

He thrusts it at Skye and leaves. I don’t even have to ask.

“Look, I want to . . . ”

I hold up my hand and cut her off.

“Let’s not make this awkward. You were a bitch. There were times when I just wanted to be your friend. I get that I’m a lot younger. I was a brat, tagging along. It was an accident. That night, I tried to step on your toes and tell your man I loved him. I was young and stupid. I hope that we can put this all in the past and try to get along.”

“Okay, I agree. I am sorry, though.”

“I know. So, are you here to stay?”

“Yeah, I have to make up with my momma. I made a fool of myself.”

“You weren’t that bad.” I chuckle.

“I was,” she snorts.

“What will you do now?”

“Work at the family creamery. The more I’m home, the more I realize I missed it. When I was married to Memphis and living the high life, it was easy to lose myself.”

“I think your time will come.” I wink as Linc returns with refills. He glares at Skye.

I think she’s changed. Maybe peoplecanchange, but I’m just not ready to forgive the one that broke my heart twice. I should have never fallen for his shit when he walked onto my dad’s property for that stupid show. I’ll go with my first thought that he never cared about me at all.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Memphis