entful–as much as it can be

opic, which makes me utterly grateful, although I have to ignore Chad's glances at me every once in a while when some

reat to bed earlier than usual, taking the opportu

e morning, leave before the sun is down, go for an evening jog or horseback riding, and then return home for dinner. Somet

all to myself, but the truth is, this huge house feels so lonely without them. I wish Chad and Lauren would come bac

to have more people

me wine and a good chat, but I know Poppy has a date with this guy she met online, and Lauren is on d

last Sunday, I'm not sure I want to spend alone time with him.

and from what I heard, he went back to LA to grab his things, so he should be showing up sometime soon. I

, but it is starting to get impossible to be outside without a coat. A cloaked figure leaning against

. Did I summon him

my body to protect myself from the wind. Or maybe I'm trying to convince myself that th

enage self. I curse myself inwardly for noticing how hot he looks now, more mature and handsome.

ind you," he replies, se

me away because he flashes his cute, dimpled s

ething happen?

nd honestly, I don't think that was the right moment. I apologize for trying," he co

s fine. I shouldn't be so bitter abou

as he stares at me. "You had every right t

d, consideri

we even talk about? Is there anything

no to him when he's lo

he be so ir

so," I

rner where I found an empty spot close to the supermarket earlier today. I was planning on stopping there

" Spencer suggests. "I think it

to his offer and climbing ins

it smells in here. In fact, I'm taken on a trip down memory lane as his cologne hits me

ies. The click of the driver's door being opened brings me back to reality, though. Spencer ge

place you want

came to meet me?" I tease, knowing his methodic, organized

," Spencer notes, starting the ignition and driving o

y, it's not. Of course, my brain is convulsing with so many thoughts running around like birds trapped in a cage, but that

even bring up our relations

be OUR spot by the river. It's a public space, but people do

purpose to bring back old emotions, or is he just ho

ng too muc

t feels natural heading there, even though I have avoided coming here for the last seven years. For a moment, it feels like

e the goo

urage to open Pandora's box, secretly hoping the other does it first. However

with all this quietness, so I clea

want to talk about