“Shit, Reed. I’m sorry. Why didn’t you just tell me—”
“I wanted to be here. It’s fine. That’s the good thing about being who I am. My agent’s not so happy, but then Trisha doesn’t know what happy is, so it’s cool.”
“How long have you been in Macon?” I ask as we walk toward the restaurant. We’re having lunch at a local Mexican place. Macon doesn’t have a lot to offer, but Cantina is really good. It just opened last year and has fast become the “it” place to eat.
“A few days. I just haven’t ventured out. I wanted to take some time to figure out how I feel about being back in Macon again.”
“Have you come to any conclusions?”
“That I’ve been gone for five years and it may as well have been a lifetime. Nothing looks or feels the same anymore.”
“Considering your memories of Macon, I would figure that’s a good thing,” I counter as he holds the door open for me.
“You’d think that wouldn’t you?” he says, sounding as confused as he’s making me.
I keep quiet as the host directs us to our table and leaves us with menus. I don’t look—I already know what I want. Fajitas Cantina are my go-to—well, that and a sangria. I let the silence stretch between us until after we both get our orders in.
“Being back isn’t easy for you, is it?”
“It isn’t really what I thought it would feel like,” he admits.
“Do you want to go home, Reed? I don’t want you to be here if it’s going to make you miserable.”
“C’mon. I wouldn’t be anywhere else. You know that. I’ll be fine. It’s just different, that’s all.”
“And you’re nervous about seeing Callie again,” I nudge, addressing the elephant in the room between us.
“Yeah, I guess I am,” he admits, taking a drink of his beer. “How did you do it, Katie?”
“What do you mean?”
“How did you survive seeing Jake and still forge a relationship with Jeff? How did you…”
“Distance myself?” I supply when it seems he’s grasping for words.
“I suppose so. I went to the Johnsons’ for dinner, and every other sentence seemed to be about Callie. They had no idea they were causing me pain, but they were.”
“Jake didn’t leave me a choice, Reed. I had to push forward. He left me. My relationship with Jake didn’t end like the way yours and Callie’s did. That was kind of out of your control.”
“Yeah. If it had been, I would have never left Macon.”
“Believe it or not, Callie didn’t want you to. She just knew you had a brighter future far away from Macon. She knew that you needed to be free of your past.”
“Quit making it sound noble, Katie. I understood why Callie pushed me away. I never agreed, and I guess I never will.”
“Then, at least think about all you gained since leaving Macon. You have a phenomenal life, Reed. You’re living a dream. People don’t get that, you know?”
“I suppose so,” he answers, sounding less than thrilled.
“I’m actually surprised people aren’t running to our table to get your autograph,” I laugh.
“It’s the beard and the glasses. Call me Clark Kent,” he jokes dryly.
“Yeah. Are you going to be able to handle the rehearsal dinner Saturday?” I ask, genuinely worried that I’ve asked too much.
“Sure,” he says, avoiding my eyes and taking another swig of his drink.
“You don’t have to, you know.”
“Stop, already. Is Jeff meeting us?”
“Yeah, he’s excited to see you. It’s been way too long.”
“Now there’s something I can agree on.”
“Have you…” Reed arches an eyebrow, his forehead crinkling as he waits for me to finish. I somehow find the nerve, but it isn’t easy. “Have you heard from Jake?”
“He called while I was driving here.”
“Did he know you were coming in for the wedding?” I ask, forcing myself to face this head on. If Jake is going to show up, I’d rather be warned. I don’t want anything to hurt Jeff. He’s been too good to me.
“I told him. He was… surprised.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to put you in an awkward position.”
“It’s fine. Jake knows you and I are close.”
“He’s still not planning on coming, right?” I ask, wondering if I managed to keep the panic out of my voice.
“I’m not sure. He said he doubted he would be here.”
“Let’s hope he’s not.”
“Have you ever wondered if you’re doing the right thing by not telling him about Lennon?”
“Let’s not go there, Reed,” I murmur, praying he listens to me.
“I just think, if I was in Jake’s shoes, I’d want to know. I feel like fucking shit for not telling him.”
“Do you really want me to answer, Reed?”
“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t.”
I take a deep breath, the exhale sounding shaky and confused. “Honestly, Reed, when I think about it, I’m pretty sure Jake already knows. He just doesn’t want it confirmed.”