Ouch. Bet that gotcha right in the heart.
“You want me to pack a picnic?” I said.
Wes’s gaze shifted away and he ran a hand over his flattened blond spikes.
“Or we can grab something at the store in the morning,” I said.
“Here’s the deal . . . I think I just need to go single. Most of these people I’ll never see again, which is weirder for me because I’m staying here. I don’t know, it’s just a thing.”
Right in the heart fell far short. I was stung to the bone. I didn’t want to go. I just wanted him to want me to go.
Beyond pathetic. We’ve moved into pitiful. I mean, way in.
“Okay, so . . . okay,” I said.
“I knew you’d get it.” Wes kissed my neck. “You always do.”
The Nudnik voice didn’t wait until Wes was out the door before she started in. I always thought of it as the Nudnik, which was what my kindergarten teacher used to call us kids when we pestered her to the brink. Nicely done, the Nudnik said now. Ya made everything all right when it clearly isn’t. Another layer of unadulterated bad stuff, right under your skin.
Forget it. I’m not doing it. I haven’t done it for—I don’t know—a long time.
Not since Valentine’s Day when yet again our sweet Wesley didn’t come through with a ring. Or was it Easter? Yeah, you did it on Easter. But then, who’s keeping track?
You are! I wanted to say out loud. But I always stopped short of audibly answering the Nudnik. If I did that, I really would have to admit I was crazy.
But she was right. I’d been holding back for six weeks, since the beginning of April. I promised myself that was the last time, because I was so sure Wes would propose when he graduated. And then he didn’t. He’d spent last Saturday hiding out here playing Scrabble with me instead of walking with his class to receive his diploma. It wasn’t a good time for a proposal. Clearly there never was a good time.
The story continues in The Merciful Scar by Rebecca St. James and Nancy Rue
About the Authors
Author photo by Allister Ann
Rebecca St. James is both a Grammy and multiple Dove Award recipient as well as a best-selling author whose books include Wait for Me and What Is He Thinking?? Her leading role in the pro-life film Sarah’s Choice won critical acclaim. A passionate spokesperson for Compassion International, Rebecca has provided sponsorship to more than 30,000 children through her worldwide concerts.
Author photo by Hatcher and Fell Photography
Nancy Rue is the best-selling author of more than 100 books for teens, tweens, and adults, two of which have won Christy Awards. Nancy is also a popular speaker and radio guest due to her expertise in tween and teen issues. She and her husband, Jim, have raised a daughter of their own and now share their Tennessee lake home with two yellow labs.
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