Page 109 of Here With Me

“You mean, it's all about the charity.”

She waves me off. “Yeah, them too. I need a Fisher update, too. Any word on Jase?”

After Fisher left last night, I was too emotionally exhausted to chat on the phone with her, so I just texted a summary of what happened when Fisher came to my house.

“No, just what my dad told me. Gramma Grace cleaned him up, Dad gave him a talkin'-to, then Jase went home. After Fisher left, he went to Jase's house. Haven't heard anythin' since.”

I pull out my mascara and finish up my makeup routine.

“How’re ya feelin' about everythin'? What does your gut say?”

I brush through my hair as I stare at my reflection. “I'd never make him choose, and even if he tried, I wouldn't let him. He came back for Jase, and it's obvious he needs his father right now. If Jase does have feelings for me, it makes this even more complicated. Regardless of me not havin' any feelings for Jase, Fisher won't risk it. He already mentioned not wanting to screw up his second chance with his son. I can't be the person to get in the way of that. He'd end up resentin’ me, and that'd make all of this pointless.”

“So...you're sayin' it's over, then?” She crosses her legs, staring up at me.

My heart shatters at hearing it said aloud.

“I have a tiny sliver of hope there's a way around it, but I doubt it. Fisher blamed himself for Lyla's death, then left Jase when he was only twelve. He's not gonna make that mistake twice. I'm the threat that could take it all away for him. He'd be stupid to keep sneakin' around with me.”

“That ain’t fair, Noah. Jase needs to grow up and get over it.”

“It's not that easy, Mags. Fisher thinks the betrayal alone would be enough to ruin their relationship. He finds out we went behind his back, Jase may never forgive him. We tell him ourselves, and Jase could make him choose. Honestly, I dunno what Jase's reaction would be, but after yesterday, I can't imagine it'd be a good one.”

“So he has daddy issues. Who doesn't? He can talk to a therapist like everyone else and let his father be happy still.”

I grab my blow-dryer and unravel the cord. “Now I know why you didn't pass psychology our senior year.”

“It was a snoozefest with Mr. Monotone puttin' me to sleep. That ain't my fault.”

“Can you find me a cute outfit while I finish up?” I ask, desperate to change the subject.

“Business cute or seduce your ex-boyfriend's dad cute?”

“Why do I ask you anythin'?” I deadpan.

She bounces to her feet and wraps her arms around me. “Because youlooooooveme.”

I roll my eyes, then turn on the dryer.

It'll be hot as usual, but with local newspaper journalists coming, I want to be somewhat presentable for pictures. Instead of throwing my hair up in a messy bun like I do most days, I do a half ponytail and curl some of the strands that frame my face.

“Hot mama!” Magnolia catcalls as soon as I walk into my room.

“What'd ya find me?”

“Two sundress options—an olive-green with come-fuck-me ruffles at the bottom or a sunflower-yellow with spank-me-daddy vibes.” She holds each hanger in her hands and bobs them up and down. “Which one's your favorite?”

“I shouldn't even be surprised you didn't give me a business cute option.” I chuckle, then grab the olive-green one.

Once I'm dressed, I put on my favorite cowboy boots. Then I put on some jewelry, which I don't often wear with training, but I want to look nice.

“Bringin' out the big guns for Fisher, huh?” Magnolia sits on the edge of my bed, watching my every move.

“Yeah, bangles and baby hoops should entice him to ditch his son and pick me,” I say dryly.

She stands and walks up behind me as I stare in my full-length mirror.

“You don't have to pretend with me, Noah. It's okay to be upset that y’all can't be together.”