Grace rests her arms on the table and takes my hand in hers. “I can see that. I don’t think he knows how to deal with that. You know what I mean?”
I do know what she’s saying. But I don’t know what to do about it. “Can we talk about something else? Please?”
“I’m sorry,” she says quickly.
“Nothing to apologize for, Grace. I need a break from my life. Tell me, how are you and Trent?”
“Trent.” Grace shakes her head and looks away. “I have spent my entire life waiting for the man to love me. It’s hard when you love someone like I love Trent. He’s hurt me so many times, but I can’t walk away from him. Even now.”
“What’s changed?”
“Cooper.”
I know that I have big issues in my own life, but for this minute . . . it feels good to talk about something else. I’m not worrying about all the shit rattling around in my own head, I can maybe help someone else.
“Do you like him that way?” I ask. The last thing I would want is Presley’s brother to get caught up in a love triangle.
Grace nods. “I really do. I never saw him that way. He was always my best friend’s brother.” She sighs. “Now though, I can’t stop thinkin’ about him. He keeps asking me out, but I can’t find a way to say yes.”
“Can I offer my advice?”
Her hand grips mine. “Please, I’ve been going crazy not havin’ anyone to talk to. I can’t talk to Presley about this, it’s her brother and then a Hennington. Emily, who you met once, is too busy bein’ a big country music singer . . . I could use a friend.”
I place my hand over hers. “If you think that Trent Hennington isn’t going to change his ways, then you follow your heart. Cooper is a good man. I don’t think he’d risk his friendship, family, and his heart if he wasn’t serious about you. A man fights for the woman he loves.”
And that right there is the problem I’m having. Wyatt isn’t fighting.
He’s letting me go.
He’s watching me drift away out to sea.
I’m losing him every day that passes, and it’s destroying me.
“EVERYTHING IS HEALING NICELY, ANGIE. I’d like you to take it easy for another week or so. No heavy lifting, and then we’ll start physical therapy for your wrist in about two weeks when we remove the cast,” the doctor explains. “Do you have any questions?”
I go over my list of things to ask, especially about travel. It’s been four weeks since the accident. All the bruises are gone and cuts are healed. Other than the wound still very deep inside my soul, I’m doing well.
I have to go back to Philadelphia sometime in the next week, Erin has been nothing but supportive while I’ve been healing, but it’s not fair to leave her on her own much longer. Presley offered to road trip with me and the boys. They’ve been begging to visit some of their friends, and I could use the company. Plus, she misses the bakery, so it’s something I have been thinking about.
I glance to the empty plastic chair that Wyatt should be sitting in but isn’t. He decided not to come in with me. Again, another show of his new attitude. Each little thing adds a new tear to my already annihilated heart. I don’t understand this at all. Maybe it’s my lack of relationships that has me so inept in dealing with this. Maybe it’s the fact that he’s never endured loss and I seem to be a pro at it.
It doesn’t change the fact that it’s breaking me apart.
Dr. Borek and I exit toward the waiting room. When Wyatt spots him, he stands and heads our way. “Everything okay?” Concern filters through.
“Angie is doing great,” he assures him. “How are you handling things, son?”
“I’m doing fine. Getting back to work was good for me.”
I want to laugh. He’s not doing fine.
The doctor nods. “Good. If you notice you’re not yourself, we can get you in to see someone.” Wyatt’s eyes cut to me, and he mashes his teeth together.
Great. Now he thinks I said something.
“Thanks for the offer, I’m really okay.”
I mentally roll my eyes and sigh. “Thanks again, Dr. Borek,” I cut in. “I really appreciate everything.”
“You be safe on your trip.”
Wyatt flinches. “Trip?”
Well, if he were to ever actually talk to me, he would know. But he doesn’t. He avoids me at all costs. He’s home when I go to the bakery. He’s at work when I’m home. And if by some chance he’s around me, he does his best to be busy.
“Yes, I’m going to Philly to meet with Erin.”