My Way to You: A Second Chance Romance (Love in Everton Book 7)

by Fabiola Francisco

  I pocket my phone after reading Paxton’s message, saying he understands and wishes me luck. I may have indirectly blamed Easton’s return to Everton as a reason why I’m not ready to date.

  “Whoa,” a deep voice calls out as I come to a halt. I look up and come face to face with the man of the hour. “Sorry, almost crashed into you.” Easton stands before me, holding a can of tomato sauce.

  “It’s okay,” I purse my lips.

  “How are you?” His words come out rushed.

  “Good. How are you settling in?”

  “Good, I bought some more furniture today, and I’m going to a dealership tomorrow to look at trucks.”

  “Ah,” I nod.

  “What?” His eyebrows bunch together.

  “That makes sense. I didn’t peg you for a Porsche guy, but then again, we all change,” I shrug.

  Easton tilts his head and watches me with cautious eyes. “I prefer trucks…”

  “But you drive a Porsche,” I state.

  “It impressed clients at the firm more than a Ford pickup.” He looks down, shuffling his feet.

  “I guess that makes sense,” I smile.

  “I’m ready to trade it in.” He rocks back on his heels.

  “I’m sure you’ll find something you like.” I’m unsure of how to go on with my shopping without seeming rude, but all I want is a glass of wine, mac and cheese, and maybe a donut. Comfort food or I’m eating my feelings—same thing.

  “Camden left today. Maybe we can…”

  “Maybe,” I interrupt him. “We’ll see.”

  “You didn’t even let me finish what I was going to say.” He drops the can in his basket and crosses his arms over his chest, lifting an eyebrow.

  “It’s been a long day, plus it was a crazy weekend seeing you. I just want to go home,” I admit, my shoulders sagging as my confession escapes me.

  “Is this because of that guy?”

  “What guy?” It’s my turn to stare at him.

  Easton’s eyes briefly widen before he stands tall again. “Your brothers told me you had gone out with someone.”

  “I’m going to kill them,” I growl. Who are they to meddle in my love life?

  Easton attempts to hide his chuckle by biting his lips, but it’s no use. His eyes are full of humor.

  “I ran into them on Sunday, and they asked if it was true that we had seen each other. Brett mentioned you had gone on a date Friday night. You know he loves to get a rise out of anyone he can.” Easton takes a step closer, his confidence back in full swing. “Was he right?” His voice drops.

  “Yes,” I don’t stutter and wait to see his reaction. His green eyes darken, and his body tenses. Feeling sorry for him, I add, “It was just one date.”

  “Will there be a second?” He doesn’t hesitate to ask.

  “No.”

  Easton’s hand rises in slow motion, moving toward me. I freeze, my breathing coming in spurts, as I wait for his next move.

  “Faith… Oh! I didn’t mean to interrupt.” I look over Easton’s shoulder and see Mrs. Norman, a student’s mom, with her hand over her chest. Easton’s hand drops as if it were on fire and slides into his jean pocket.

  “It’s okay. How can I help you?” I glance at Easton quickly and then at Mrs. Norman, walking toward her.

  She eyes me curiously with a small smile. “I just had a quick question about which product was the best to… you know,” she whispers, not wanting anyone to learn that her child is one of the lice-infested victims. “I’m stopping at the pharmacy from here,” she adds.

  I give her the information, and she thanks me before leaving me alone in the aisle. I turn, and Easton is still standing there, staring at me with a deep intensity. Right about now, I wish I had the superpower to read minds, so I could hear what he’s thinking.

  “Lice, huh?”

  “Shhh…” I slap his arm.

  Easton laughs and shakes his head. “It’s not the end of the world. Tons of kids get them. Now, where was I?” His eyes bore into mine, and my heart pounds as I wait. “Go out with me.”

  I take a deep breath and slowly exhale. “Easton… I don’t know,” I shake my head.

  “I’m just gonna keep asking.” He shrugs with a crooked smirk. I don’t know what he expects. For us to pick up where we left off? Is this just a trip down memory lane where we think we could have what we had back then? That’s impossible.

  “Maybe once you own a real car and not that toy of yours.” I tilt my head toward the front of the store where the parking lot is.

  He lifts a finger and points at me. “I’ll hold you to that, Faith McGraw.” Walking backward, he smiles as his promise lingers in the air between us.

  I want to say yes, jump into his arms, and kiss him silly. But I remember how hard it was to lose him. To walk to class without him by my side. To visit that stupid barn and stare at our carved names without him there.

  I remember missing him, crying at night because he was no longer mine. Fear stops me from jumping feet first into another romance with Easton. He’s a big-time lawyer. Will he really get used to life in Everton again, or will he eventually want to move back to a city?

  All this time, I buried memories of him and me so I wouldn’t get caught up in the past, so I wouldn’t allow what I felt for him to taint my present. Seeing him has only opened up that box, spreading out all my feelings for Easton as a showcase for anyone willing to take a peek.

  We were together most of high school, and I always thought we’d go on to be college sweethearts, too. Life doesn’t always give us what we want.

  …

  “I have never been happier to see a week come to an end as I am with this one,” I tell my friends as we sit in Abbie and Finn’s house for our book club meeting.

  “Technically, you still have tomorrow,” Averly points out.

  “Why do you have to burst my bubble? Fridays are usually easy days.”

  “Or they feel easy because we know the weekend follows,” Ainsley points out.

  “Yeah, that’s probably it, but still,” I shrug and take a sip of wine.

  “I feel like you’re flaunting that glass of wine at me,” Ainsley glares. She’s three months pregnant, and we couldn’t be more excited to have another baby in our circle of friends.

  “It will be worth it,” Averly assures her, having already gone through a pregnancy.

  “I know,” Ainsley smiles, rubbing her belly. “Anyway, what has happened with Easton? Last I heard, y’all had coffee on Sunday.” Ainsley’s southern twang makes an appearance.

  “Nothing. I ran into him at the grocery store on Tuesday, and he asked me out a second time, but I haven’t given him a straight-forward answer.”

  “Well, why the hell not?” Ainsley shrieks.

  “Because I’m scared,” I shrug, admitting my weakness.

  “Did he ever hurt you? I thought you broke up because he moved away,” she questions. Her eyebrows furrow with concern.

  “No, no, he never did. You’re right, it was because of his move. No long-distance relationship in your teens would ever really work out, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt to lose him.”

  “It was tough,” Abbie speaks up. “But he’s back now and staying for good from the looks of it. He went with Gavin and Finn to look at horses yesterday.”

  “Yeah,” I sigh.

  “I think it would be adorable if you two got back together. What a romantic story—childhood couple reunites years later, and the same sparks still fly,” Poppy smiles.

  I laugh and throw a piece of my crust at her. She catches it and eats it. “Yum!” We all laugh and get back to discussing the book we’re reading this month. Ironically enough, it’s a second chance romance. I internally roll my eyes. Who would’ve guessed Easton would be back in town when we voted on this story? The universe has a funny sense of humor.

  Fear or no fear, I kept hoping to run into Easton again yesterday and today. I thought in a town the size of this one, i
t would be easy to catch a glimpse of him, but I was wrong.

  I realize that no matter what my brain tells me, my heart is searching for him.

  “Earth to Faith,” I hear someone say, giggling in the background.

  “Huh?” I look at my friends, all laughing at me. “Assholes. What happened?”

  “We were waiting for your comments on this scene, but it seems like your mind is somewhere else,” Poppy says.

  “Or with someone else,” Abbie adds.

  “Ugh,” I clutch a pillow to my chest and fall back on the couch, my head landing on Abbie’s lap.

  “I’ve got an idea,” Ainsley speaks up. “We’ll go to Clarke’s tomorrow, and Finn can call Easton and invite him. You’ll be in a bar, having drinks so you’ll relax, and then you can dance together and bam!” She claps her hands. “You’re reigniting the flame.”

  “Reigniting the flame?” I ask with raised eyebrows.

  “Yeah, you know,” her eyebrows waggle.

  “You’ve been reading too many romance novels,” I tease.

  Ainsley glares at me teasingly. “My plan is fool-proof.”

  “I actually think it’s a great idea,” Poppy nods.

  “Okay, fine,” I cave, not able to hide my smile.

  “Aw, you’re blushing and all!” Ainsley cheers. “Fool. Proof. Plan,” she promises, not like I need a plan when it comes to Easton. He already asked me out. This will just make it possible to see him sooner rather than later.

  …

  Sitting at my desk at work, Miriam, the school receptionist, knocks on my office door.

  “Hi,” I smile up at her.

  “Hi, Faith.” She walks in, carrying a vase full of daisies. “These were just delivered for you.” She smiles shyly.

  “Oh, wow.” I stand and walk around my desk, taking the flowers from her. “Thank you for bringing them in.” I place the glass vase on the top of my desk.

  “Are they from Easton?” she asks in a whisper. Goodness, even my colleagues are curious about my love life.

  “I don’t know,” I shake my head. I have no idea, but I certainly hope they’re not from Paxton, trying for a second date. I cringe inwardly and cross my fingers.

  “Well, I’ll let you to it.” She nods toward the card. “They are beautiful.”

  “They are,” I agree. “Daisies are my favorite,” I smile, and Miriam leaves my office.

  I pluck out the card. Leaning against my desk again, I open the small envelope and begin reading. As soon as I see the handwriting, I shiver.

  I hope these are still your favorite flowers. I got my truck. You know what that means.

  Yours,

  Easton

  PS: See you at Clarke’s tonight

  I hold the piece of paper to my chest and sigh. Yours. Is he still mine? A full, wide smile takes over my face. How can a girl say no to daisies? I’m suddenly nervous about tonight. My heart races, and my hands tremble as I place the card in the envelope and put it in my purse. These are definitely going home with me today.

  Staring at the clock, I count down to the end of the day. No extra work today. I plan to go home, shower, and get ready for drinks with friends…and my ex-boyfriend, who is hell-bent on removing ex from the title.

  “Knock, knock,” Poppy sneaks her head into my office.

  “Hey.” I stand. “What’s up?”

  “I heard someone got flowers delivered,” her voice raises with excitement, and her eyes widen. “They’re gorgeous! Your favorite, too. He remembered.” Poppy turns to look at me.

  “He did,” I nod, unable to hide my smile. “He freaking remembered my favorite flower,” I squeal, letting my guard down with my best friend.

  “He’ll be at Clarke’s tonight,” I tell Poppy.

  “As if we doubted he would go. Easton is starting over, and that means making new friends and getting reacquainted with old ones. I’m sure he’ll take any invitation to go out, especially if it means you’ll be there.”

  “It must be hard starting new, huh?” I sit on the edge of my desk.

  “Yeah,” Poppy nods. “But he’s not alone.”

  I look up at her as I chew my bottom lip. “What do I wear tonight?” It’s way too cold for a dress or skirt, so I’ll have to make jeans look appealing.

  “Those dark, skinny jeans that lift your butt, and that deep V-neck wrap sweater you have. The ivory one.”

  I raise my eyebrows and stare at her. “I’m impressed. You remember what I have in my closet more than I do.”

  Poppy laughs. “I love that sweater and never could find one like it. Plus, skinny jeans are always a good choice since they show off our curves. And wear booties, the ones that have that short, wide heal and the fringe on the side. They’re brown, I think.”

  “Have you been sneaking into my closet?” I tease.

  “You’ll never know,” she shakes her head and smiles. “I’m happy for you, Faith.” Poppy hugs me before seeing the time and running off to pick up her students from music class.

  I sit back at my desk and stare at the flowers. I have a feeling my productivity was thrown away when they were delivered.

  Easton

  I finally feel like I’m settling into my new home—or old home, I should say. It’s an odd combination of feelings. This is the place I was born in, grew up in, and yet some parts of it feels foreign. After I bought my new truck, motivated by Faith’s challenge, I went shopping for furniture and a television. I’ve been missing basketball games in the last two weeks, and that’s not exactly something you find at a bar around here. Rodeo tournaments, yes. Sports, not really.

  Everton is a completely different world than the one I’ve been living in this second half of my life, but the idea of not being here right now seems impossible. And it’s not just because of Faith. This is about me, my life, my dreams. No matter what college I went to, the job I had, or the friends I made, I always missed Everton and the lifestyle. I missed waking up before dawn and working on the ranch before going to school. I missed riding.

  A horse is my next purchase, but I start work on Monday, so I’ll need to schedule when I can go look at my options again. Thankfully, Finn and Gavin offered help, and I took them up on it. I liked the horses we saw earlier this week, but this isn’t an impulse buy. This cowboy’s been wearing a suit for too long and is a little rusty.

  My phone rings, interrupting my assessment of my living room. Grabbing it, I lift my eyebrows and smile. I swipe my phone to answer the video call from my sister.

  “Hey, little sis.”

  “Show me the house!” She jumps right in, not asking how I’m doing. I had shown her pictures of the different pieces of furniture I was looking to buy and asked for her help. Not that the woman working in the store wasn’t willing to help, a little more than I would’ve liked. I bet if I would’ve asked her to come over and decorate for me, she would’ve in a heartbeat. I much prefer women who are less obvious.

  “Okay, okay. Let me start from the beginning.” I open the front door and walk out, ready to give her the tour as if she were walking into my house.

  “Oh, my goodness. Is that all snow?” She calls out as I get ready.

  “Yup, insane, right?” I look at her on the screen.

  “Wow. How cold is it?”

  “It’s about fourteen degrees today, but the wind is what’s killer,” I reply.

  “Crazy. It’s like thirty here in Madrid. I do miss snow, though,” Allyson sighs. “Anyway, show me the house before you freeze out there, and I’m left talking to myself.”

  I chuckle and open the door, going through the entire house with her. She approves of my decor, giving me a thumb’s up when she sees the dining room table she picked out.

  “It looks great, Easton. I’m so happy for you. I know you’ve been wanting to return since we left.”

  I sit on the couch and nod. “Yeah, I guess it has been a long time coming. I’ll show you the barn another day when the wind isn’t trying to push me in all
directions.”

  Allyson smiles and studies me, making me uncomfortable even through a phone. I shift on the couch and lift my eyebrows, waiting for her to say something.

  “How’s Faith?” A hint of a smile lifts one side of her lips.

  “Good…” I narrow my eyes.

  “Just good? Have you seen her? What’s she like now?” She fires off questions.

  “I have seen her. She’s…the same, I guess? I don’t know how to explain it. She’s obviously not the same as when she was seventeen, but at the same time, she looks the same.”

  “Awww… You still love her!” Allyson yells as she teases me.

  “You’re a jerk. I don’t love her,” I say, although I’m not sure if that’s entirely true. I’m not sure what I feel because so much time has passed. I’m sure I’m in love with the girl I left behind, but that may not be the woman I’m hoping to get to know.

  “Whatever…” My sister rolls her eyes. “I think you do.”

  “I haven’t seen her in years,” I counter.

  “But the heart knows what it wants,” she sing-songs.

  “We’ll see.”

  “Don’t tell me, your sister, that you weren’t hoping to see her again.” Allyson lifts a brow and gives me a know-it-all glare.

  I exhale and shake my head. “Of course, I was, but I had no expectations. For all I knew, she had a fulfilling life and didn’t have a place for me.”

  “And? Do you? Have a place in it?” Allyson gives me a hopeful look as her eyes widen.

  “Maybe,” I sigh, nodding. “I hope so.”

  “I knew it! You do love her!” she screams, lifting from her seat.

  “Shhh… Where are you?” I try to look at her surroundings.

  “I’m home. I just got back from drinks with co-workers. They wanted to keep going, but I’m exhausted and wanted to call before you went out. You are going out, right? It’s Friday.” She’s so nosy. Allyson and I are three years apart, but she’s always inserting herself in my life, asking questions.

  “Yes, I’m going to Clarke’s. Do you remember it?”

  “Yeah…” She nods slowly. “The place with all the wooden walls. We used to love their ribs.”