Ben: Wow, so actually nothing, huh? Such as you’re really telling me to fuck off and depart your loved ones, aren’t you?

Cory: I wouldn’t do this. They’re yours too.

Ben: What did I do?

Cory: Let it go, okay?

Ben: How are you going to ask me that once you’re virtually telling me that you simply don’t wish to see me ever once more?

Cory: I’m simply asking you to not go this Sunday.

Ben: Certain, however now I’ve come to understand that for the previous six months, you’ve been absent from your loved ones’s celebrations to keep away from me. You actually don’t need me in your life. I wish to know why, after which, I’ll stroll away.

Cory: You want them.

Ben: No. I would like you, but when I can’t have you ever, I received’t come between you and your loved ones.

Cory: Ben, these usually are not my intentions.

Ben: Speak to me, only one final time, after which I’ll depart you alone.

Cory: I’ll give it some thought. Don’t contact me please.

Chapter Fifteen

Benedict

After studying Cory’s final textual content, a heavy weight settles in my chest, stifling my breath. This might be the final time I communicate to her. If I do that, I would lose the Spearmans—the one household that’s been there for me since I left residence at seventeen.

For years I’ve been afraid, nevertheless it’s time that I discover the braveness and put all my playing cards on the desk. If I ever need Cory to like me, I’ve to deal with this like an grownup. That is my solely transfer, and even after I would possibly lose her and all of the Spearmans, I’ve to do it.

So, I make the decision I’ve been avoiding for what appears like an eternity.

On the primary ring, Heath’s gruff voice solutions, “Yeah?”

I hesitate, my throat tightening. “Do you bear in mind threatening me years in the past? About seeing your sisters as greater than buddies or household?”

His chuckle has a pointy edge. “No, I distinctly recall saying ‘I’ll fuck you up should you cross that line.’”

I rub my temple. “Semantics. However you do bear in mind it occurred, proper?”

He snorts. “The sentiment stands. And should you’re hinting that you simply’re falling for Fern, Elliot could be the one adjusting your fairly face.”

“Can you are taking this severely for one second?”

After a heavy second, Heath sighs. “What the fuck would you like, Benedict?”

I attract a shaky breath, letting the phrases tumble out. “I’m in love with Cory.”

Silence rings for a number of beats earlier than Heath groans loudly. “You’re confused as a result of she helped you with Bernie. Recover from this little crush and transfer on. My sister is off-limits.”

I grit my enamel, gathering my braveness. “Heath, take heed to me. Please don’t interrupt.”

I take his silence as permission to proceed. Swallowing laborious previous the lump in my throat, I begin, “It occurred the primary Christmas I spent at your home—or possibly the primary day I went to Paradise Bay.” I stare down at my fingers, unable to imagine I’m lastly confessing this secret I’ve stored for thus lengthy.

Slowly, haltingly, I recount every thing—how Cory captured my coronary heart from that very first vacation we spent collectively. How over time, my emotions for her grew, at the same time as I knew nothing may ever occur between us. Nothing I’ve tried has stopped me from loving her. In reality, daily I really like her much more, together with the best way she took in Bernie and cared for her as if she’s a part of the household.

My daughter doesn’t miss having a mom as a result of she has Cory. Although, due to my friendship with Heath and silly misconceptions, I didn’t permit this to occur.

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