Page 32 of Timber's Line

“Dayton.” She scrambles up.

“Hey.”

“Are you hurt? What happened? You’re bleeding.”

“It’s not mine,” I mumble but let her pull me into the loft. She finds the first aid kit and wets a washcloth. I sit on the couch while she wipes the blood away.

“Did you get in a fight?” I nod. “Over Snow?” I nod again. “I’m sorry that people throw that in your face. You should be able to move on from mistakes and the past.”“I saw her,” I rasp.

“You did?”

“Yeah. I ruined her life.”

“What did she say to you?” She tips her head, watching me.

“That I destroyed her feet and legs, and she had to stop dancing.”

Her eyes flash a moment with anger and then it’s gone.

She doesn’t say anything. She cleans my hand and my face where the guy got one punch in.

Then she puts everything away and gets up to leave.

“Please don’t go.”

“Why would you want me to stay? You’re still pining after your ex-girlfriend. You don’t want me.” She leaves. Fuck, I’ve fucked everything up.

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

TIMBER

Snow lied to him. She didn’t stop dancing because of the accident. She danced for a few more months after she healed and then quit because of her new man. No one will tell him. Not sure why. I’ll bring it up to Memphis tomorrow. He should know the truth. He blames himself for everything.

I didn’t want to leave, but I couldn’t stay when he’s feeling this way because of her. I don’t want to be a means to forget. I want to be that someone. That’s why I’m doing the show.

I fall onto the bed and feel the tears come down.

I cry myself to sleep.

I wake up to gray skies. Kind of how I feel.

“You up?” McKenna knocks on my door.

“Yeah.” I roll out of bed as she enters.

She smiles shyly. “Hey.”

“Hey,” I reply.

“I’m here to help you get ready for this morning,” she says.

“I’ll go shower.”

“I’ll pick you out something to wear and get the hair dryer and curler ready.” She smiles at me. I shower quickly, wishing it was longer. My smiles will be fake today. I can’t even deal.

“I picked your outfit.” She motions to a maxi dress in a gorgeous shade of blue and aviator sandals.

“I’ll change quickly.” The dress fits me perfectly, and I wonder whether Sal guessed correctly or if Ever did this for me.