Page 109 of This Kind of Forever

“Youdo.” I raise my brows. “You let me get away with being late all the time, and that’s just one example. I know why you do it, but I don’t want to be treated differently. I can’t prove I’m capable if you don’t give me the space to do it.”

He frowns. “You don’t have to prove yourself to us. To me.”

“I want to prove it to myself.”

For years, I’ve been carrying these feelings around. Finally voicing them feels better than I thought it would.

“So if you’re quitting, what are you going to do next?” he asks. And I’m pleasantly surprised to find there’s no anger there, only genuine curiosity.

“Ethan was in town a while ago, and we ran into him at Sunnyside. He works with the coast guard now. He offered me an in, if I wanted it.”

Luke’s expression is serious, jaw set, as he considers this. Slowly, he nods. “Sounds perfect for you. Mom’s gonna hate it, though.”

I laugh as a ton of weight falls off my shoulders. “Hallie’s not too jazzed either. She’s happy for me, but I know a small part of her wishes I could work a desk job.”

“Yeah,” he says, swinging an arm around my shoulder and tucking me in tight so he can give me a noogie, like the good ol’ days. “But where’s the fun in that?”

I break out of his hold, flip him the bird, and then we both chuckle as we head back inside to our family.

THIRTY-EIGHT

HALLIE

Guilt has been slowly eatingme alive. Telling Gabe’s family the truth about our relationship made it even more apparent I need to do the same with mine. Despite all my fears, I can’t truly have a clean slate with Kevin if our foundation is muddled with lies.

Thankfully, Clara is very generous with her car. I could’ve asked Gabe to drive me to the mainland, but this is something I need to do on my own.

My phone buzzes in my purse, and I pull it out to check it. My heart thumps in my chest. I half expect it to be Kevin, telling me now actually isn’t a good time to come over. I’m a little disappointed when it isn’t, if only for my own self-preservation.

Gabriel

Hey, you headed back? I thought you finished work at three today.

Just running some errands on the mainland. I’ll be home in a bit.

Home.

I put up a valiant fight, but somewhere along the way, I lost the battle. For the longest time, the only home I had ever known was with Pops. Living with Gabe—letting him back into my life—has made me realize just how safe he makes me feel. Cared for.Loved.

Gabriel

Abbs is spending the night with my parents.

You better get your fine ass back here soon, Foster. I have plans for you.

A thrill travels down my spine at the promise. Not only do I feel loved by Gabe—I feel wanted. Craved. It’s a feeling I’ve never experienced before, and one I wasn’t sure existed.

I tuck my phone away and look toward the house I’ve parked in front of. I recognize Caitlyn’s and Bryan’s vehicles in the driveway.I guess now is as good of a time as any. Might as well rip the Band-Aid off for the whole family.

Walking up to the door and knocking feels a hundred times more nerve-wracking than it did that first time. Part of that is because I don’t have Gabe here to hold my hand, but I also know it’s the dread of finally coming clean. Telling the truth.

The door opens before I’m ready.

“Hallie,” Kevin says with a smile, “come in.”

“I know you said it was fine, but I’m sorry for coming on such short notice,” I say, stepping over the threshold.

“That’s alright. You’re welcome here anytime.”