Page 92 of Make It Last

My thoughts slid to Tanner, and to the way Laney’s words had lodged in my thoughts like a pebble in my shoe—small, irritating, and persistent. Maybe he was reconsidering. Maybe they were meant to work it out. Maybe I was the temporary one. My phone buzzed.

Josie: How’s it going?

Me: Good. Boxes should ship tomorrow.

Josie: Do you have a flight home yet?

Me: Not reserved yet. I will soon. I promise I’ll text you.

Josie: Have you heard from Tanner?

Me: Not since he texted when they landed.

I had been wondering why he hadn’t texted anymore since then. I’d made myself send the cheerful welcome text, but then my insecurity wouldn’t shut up.

Josie: I’m sure you’ll hear more from him soon. Can’t wait for you to get back. P.S. Everything you’re doing is amazing.

I smiled faintly. Work I could handle. Moving a few thousand miles was stressful but manageable. But I felt like my heart was constructed out of thin ice at the moment.

I reminded myself, for what felt like the hundredth time, that I wasn’t moving to Alaska for Tanner. I was doing this for me. Even if my heart felt a little cracked. Even if doubt kept whispering, maybe.

Chapter Forty-Three

Tanner

Drawing the line

“Laney, what are you doing here?” I leaned back against my truck, keys still in my hand.

“You’re home,” she said, her voice too bright. “I’m just happy to see you.”

My jaw tightened. I had texted Ava earlier. No reply, which was not like her. Now, this.

“I don’t want to repeat myself, Laney. I wish you the best, but I already told you there’s no chance for us.”

“Breaking up with you was a mistake,” she insisted, clasping her hands in front of her chest. “I understand that now.”

“I don’t think it was a mistake,” I said flatly. “And I really have to go.”

She reached for my hand, and I yanked it away. “Seriously, Laney. Please stop.”

“Tanner, please…”

“I’m not having this conversation over and over. I’m sorry things in Seattle aren’t working out the way you thought they would. Maybe it’s harder than you expected. That doesn’t mean we rewind.”

“I don’t think it’s going to work out with you and Ava,” she blurted out as I began to turn away.

My head snapped back. “You don’t even know Ava.”

“I met her.”

“My relationship with Ava has nothing to do with you. I would be saying all of this even if Ava didn’t exist.”

“Are you serious about her?” she pressed.

“That is none of your fucking business.” Something in my tone must have finally landed, because she flinched. I exhaled sharply. “Take care of yourself. Please don’t text me. Please don’t call me. For fuck’s sake, we are not having this conversation again.”

She blinked rapidly, and I felt a little bad, but I didn’t know how to get her to back off without being this direct.