Page 60 of Now and Then

“Confessed to loving her for—oh, I don’t know—the last decade or so?” Luke’s never been one to mince words.

“Not exactly like that. But yes.”

“Fucking finally.”

I snort. “Shut up, man.”

“Hunter,” he says, “I’ve known you’ve had feelings for Sutton since college.”

“Is it that obvious?”

He nods.

“Sutton knows how I feel now, but, shit, it’s like two steps forward and one step back with her.”

“Sounds like her, but”—he raises an eyebrow—“you can’t let her overthink this. You know she’ll find some reason to shut you out and stop this before she ever gives it a chance to start.”

“Sometimes, it seems like maybe we’re getting somewhere.” Last week felt like progress until I mentioned the rumor mill, leaving me with no choice but to tell her she had to decide.

“Hunter,” Luke says, suddenly serious. “What did you tell me when it was Greer?”

I shrug.

Luke supplies the answer for me. “If you love her, talk to her. Don’t let this shit fester.”

“That sounds like me.” I lean back, clasping my hands behind my head. I could fall asleep right here.

“You have to be upfront with her, no beating around the bush,” he says. “And for the love of god, don’t give her time to overthink things.”

“You’re right,” I say. “I’ll keep talking to her.”

Just after noon, I pack it in and call it day. I need sleep.

As I’m pulling down my driveway, I pass Easton on his way out. He slows to a stop and rolls down his window. “Hey, Hunter,” he says. “The guys just finished sanding the floors. It’s a bit of a mess.”

“It’s been a mess since the moment you started.”

“Yeah, but it’s worse than usual. The vacuum on the sander broke. I’m heading to town for a replacement.”

I groan internally. “You’re telling me my house will be covered in sawdust for the foreseeable future?”

“Pretty much,” he says. “Good news is cabinets are getting delivered at the end of the week and installation is quick. We’re powering through to get the floors done before then.”

I nod, already counting the hours I’m not going to sleep.

“You know,” Easton says, “I’m not sure if you’ve got somewhere else to stay, but it might be worth looking into.”

“Sounds like I should,” I say.

We say our goodbyes, and I head up to the house to pack a bag. Luke meant well, but there’s still no way I’m crashing at his place. He and Greer are in the honeymoon phase of their relationship and don’t need a roommate cramping their style.

There’s only one place that makes sense.

I fire a text to Mrs. Bradley. She answers immediately.

Mrs. Bradley: Of course, Hunter. You know you’re always welcome. Plus, I’m sure Sutton will love the company.

Me: I promise not to get in the way.