he growled, and she rolled her shoulder in a shrug. He knew it wasn’t his mother’s fault, but he needed someone to blame.
“She told me to tell you that she’s sorry for all she said … except the part about never wanting to see you again.”
He had known that Taylor hadn’t meant any of the words she had said, yet he had gone to look for oblivion.
“Fuck,” he cursed and then hurried up the stairs, getting ready in record time before stepping outside and noticing that, of course, his truck wasn’t in its usual spot. Not debating long, he turned toward the barn and followed the small path that led to the Collins’ property. Dew still covered the ground, and fog rose from the fields. He knew Taylor would be outside. She always had loved mornings because they offered her peace. And indeed, she was sitting on the porch steps, a steaming mug of coffee cradled in her palms. He watched her for a few moments, seeing her wipe away a tear. She cleared her throat and took a sip of her coffee as he forced himself to step forward. He knew if he waited any longer, he’d most likely turn away instead of talking to her.
“Tay … Taylor.” He had to clear his throat twice in order to make his words heard, and her eyes snapped to him. She couldn’t hide the pain in them even though she almost instantly focused on the ground again. He licked his lips, wondering where best to start. How do you apologize for something you didn’t even remember?
“I can’t …” She got up, and Mason knew that he should say something, but his mind was blank. He wanted to pull her into his arms and tell her how sorry he was, but somehow, he was missing the right words.
They looked at each other, and he knew that for this issue to be solved, someone needed to speak. Instead, it appeared as if they tried to remember each other because this was going to be the last time they saw the other one.
“Remember I told you about this first kiss after high school? You said he was lucky because if he wanted to, he’d get a chance to do it right the second time around.” Queasiness threatened to overcome him as a dark premonition worked its way up his spine. He almost wished she wouldn’t continue. “Well, how many chances does a person need to get it right?” Her voice was breaking, and he shook his head, willing her to stop. “Well, I’ll tell you. I know three times is a charm, but you aren’t getting a third chance, Mason Stiles! Especially not since I’m such a terrible person in your mind.” She paused as if deciding it wasn’t worth it while tears rained down her cheeks.
What the hell had he said? And why weren’t words coming out of his mouth?
“For weeks after that kiss, I thought and prayed that you’d remember, and you’d come and find me, or at least call me, trying to convince me I made a mistake in leaving. It never happened. And then twelve years later, you, of all people, find me walking down the street. I slide into the seat next to you, and all I can think is how I wish that we could have a do over, and I’d agree to stay with you, while all you think about is how I consider myself better than anyone else is. I look at you and wish I could touch you and be touched by you when all you think is that I’m selfish and not able to love anyone.” She placed the mug down on the banister and then spread her arms as if showing him all he had lost. “A lot of the things you said yesterday afternoon were true, except that I never looked back. I missed you most of all, but coming back without any hope wasn’t in my plan. But all you said last night … God, Mason, what lies have I told myself about us? About the way you look at me even though I thought you were in love with Ash? I was ready to make it right for you two, but instead of being with her, you were with me. What do you think … You know, it doesn’t matter. This ice queen is done hurting you. I’m sorry for everything you think I should be sorry
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