Every step up the stairs felt laborious. She wanted to turn around and run into Blake’s arms. She wanted him to whisper assurances. She wanted his persistent optimism. But right now, she wasn’t sure which way was up, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that Ridge and Blake had made a decision for her–one that she should have had a say in from the start.
She slipped into her bedroom and closed the door. Neither Blake nor Ridge had stepped foot into her room since she moved in, and they wouldn’t bother her tonight. She wanted to call her mom, or Jess, or Stella. Even Ava would understand. Her mother had kept a huge secret from her about her father. Ava would definitely understand.
But Everly couldn’t muster the energy to talk to anyone. Instead, she leaned back against the door and let her back slide down the smooth surface until she sat on the floor with her knees bent up to her chest. The stupid skirt was tight and uncomfortable, but she just wanted a moment to let out all the mixed-up feelings about Ridge and Blake and the man she hadn’t known was following her.
Her phone buzzed in the pocket of her blazer, and she pulled it out.
David.
Everly slammed the phone face down on the floor beside her. She was sick of his pestering. How dare he add fuel to her already raging fire?
The phone stopped ringing, and the ding of a text followed. She snatched up the phone and read the message.
David: Can we talk, please?
Her thumbs pressed hard on the screen as she responded. Enough was enough.
Everly: Don’t call me again.
She was tired of being walked over, tired of being unheard, and tired of everyone thinking they knew what was best for her.
If she was confused about her new relationship with Blake before, they’d just added a new level to push through.
Trust and honesty. Always honesty.
Why couldn’t it be that simple?
Everly let her head fall back against the door and closed her eyes. She wanted to pray, but she had no idea what she actually wanted. Breathing deep in the silence, she asked, “Lord, what do I do? Where do I go?”
The last question had her throat closing up, threatening to choke her. “Lord, who can I trust?”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Blake
Blake moved through the crowd of wedding guests toward the back exit. Jameson and Ava’s wedding had gone off without a hitch, and the two were finally married. The reception hall was beautiful, and it was easy to appreciate the well-decorated space. Everly, Ava, and Linda had been working for months to get the place up and running in time for the wedding.
Jameson and Ava’s wedding was only the beginning. Everly said the venue calendar was filling up throughout the rest of the year.
Blake spotted Everly by the bar helping one of the ladies with her drink, and a painful zing burst in his chest. He’d been hyper aware of Everly’s location all day. She’d left the house before sunrise, then he saw her at the bridal party luncheon. Before the ceremony, she’d come to the groomsmen’s rooms to direct the photographer who took photos of them pretending to get dressed. Then, he’d been forced to endure all of the pre-ceremony instructions from Everly, all without a hope of catching her eye. She was all business. At least, that’s what he kept telling himself. The alternative was that she was avoiding him, and that thought didn’t sit well with him.
Blake stepped outside and leaned against the exterior wall of the building. The afternoon sun and white, billowy clouds were a stark contrast to his brooding mood.
Who was he kidding? Of course Everly was avoiding him. He’d tried to talk to her privately a couple of times since the big reveal, but she wasn’t having it. How long would he have to wait until she let him explain? He hated knowing he’d upset her, and he wanted to make things right. Apologize, beg for forgiveness, grovel–he was prepared to do it all if she’d let him.
He’d been leaving her notes full of apologies, but she hadn’t said a word about any of them.
She was busy. He knew that. She’d put together an awesome wedding for their friends in a short amount of time. It didn’t make the waiting any easier.
He’d done this himself. It was his fault.
Everly hadn’t looked at him once, and the loss hurt more than he’d imagined.
Blake took a few deep breaths and resisted the urge to run his hands through his gelled hair. Ava wanted more photos later, and he’d been instructed to stay clean. One thing he didn’t miss from his old job was the monkey suit. He’d take jeans and boots any day.
The back door opened, and Colt stepped out. “Hey, you seen Remi?”
Blake jerked his head toward the main house. “She went to get some shoes for Ava.”