Before the Sunset (Cottonwood Cove, #4)(5)

My plan was to open my own business, hang out with my best friend as much as possible, and resume my relationship with Carl.

I wasn’t getting any younger.

I was twenty-nine years old, and I’d invested more than a decade with Carl. I’d only ever had one boyfriend, and it had been him.

So, I’d never imagined he’d seriously start dating someone else. What we had was good—at least I thought it was. We were comfortable.

We’d been talking about moving in together before I’d left, because Carl hadn’t wanted us to live together before we were engaged, and then I’d been stuck in a lease that I couldn’t break without losing a substantial amount of money. So, I’d assumed he’d want me to move in with him when I got back home. But seeing as he had a girlfriend now, I’m guessing that would be a little awkward.

Olivia said they were all over each other at Cottonwood Café, and apparently, Christy Rae Lovell told her friend that they’re practically shopping for rings already. How is that possible?





Chewy



Have you ever considered that he might not be the guy for you?





I covered my mouth with my hand as another sob escaped my throat. I hadn’t ever considered that. We hadn’t lived by one another during undergrad and medical school, but we’d maintained our relationship long-distance. We’d always had a plan. Once he’d gotten his residency back home, he’d said it was time for us to be together all the time, and I’d agreed. Long distance was exhausting. Though I’d had my best friend with me. But it didn’t help that Finn and Carl didn’t get along, as neither cared for the other.

No. I’ve been with him for eleven years. Obviously, I’ve invested close to half my life with the guy.





Chewy



You weren’t even living near one another for most of that time. He didn’t support you when you wanted to pursue your dream. He’s a narcissistic asshole.





I wasn’t in the mood for a Carl bashing. It was Finn’s favorite pastime. My best friend was the most happy-go-lucky guy I’d ever known—unless we were discussing Carl. I cried into my pillow some more, and the lump in my throat was so thick it was painful to swallow.

I can’t do this right now. I have to go.





Chewy



You’re coming home in three days, Miney. Do not let him mess that up for you.





I couldn’t fathom how uncomfortable it would be to see them together. She’d love to rub it in my face. I couldn’t believe Carl was with her.

I can’t come there and have their relationship thrown in my face every day. I’m single, jobless, and homeless. Now I’m going to have to move back in with my parents at thirty years old. How am I going to face them?





Chewy



Fuck them. And you’re not thirty; you’re barely twenty-nine. You don’t have to live with your parents. You can move in with me. I have a big house now. I’ll be with you every step of the way. Answer your damn phone, Miney.





My heart ached. Had I made a huge mistake? Had I been selfish by chasing my dream to come here?

I’ll call you later, Chewy. I don’t want to talk about it right now.





Chewy



I’ll give you a day. But you better pick up your damn phone tomorrow.





I’d spent the next two days in almost the exact same position on my bed. Carl had texted me to let me know that he was in a relationship and thought it best I heard it from him.

Long after I’d heard it from multiple people.

He’d told me that he’d hoped we’d find our way back to one another but that he’d gotten tired of waiting, even though I was coming home this week.

He’d claimed that I hadn’t made him a priority and she had.

It was like a knife to the heart.

I’d made so many sacrifices for him, and he couldn’t give me this one?

I’d barely eaten, and I’d never felt so low, at least not since I’d been sick in college, but that was a different kind of low.

Finn was having a fit because I’d yet to pick up the phone. He’d left numerous messages and sent multiple texts, but I’d stopped responding. I glanced down to see a new message.

Chewy



Damn it, Miney. What the hell is going on? Are you coming home tomorrow?





I reached for the roll of toilet paper that I had in bed with me and blew my nose. I’d canceled my flight for tomorrow because I didn’t feel like I could get up and go to the airport.

Nor could I get myself together to face my ex-fiancé and his new girlfriend.

I’m not coming home right now.





Chewy



What the fuck are you talking about? Why not?





A cry escaped my lips, and I let it out. I lay on my tear-soaked pillow, wondering what the hell I was going to do with my life, and I responded with the only thing I could.

I told him the truth.

I’m frozen.