Chapter 69

“For years I watched him browbeat you and treat you like shit, but I thought you would get a clue. And then you told me you were getting engaged and asked me to be your best man. I had to do something. I still love you, Royce. Hell, I’ve been in love with you since we were kids.”

“But you quit us. You were a fucking coward.”

“Guilty. You were the best thing that ever happened to me, and I blew it. Whether or not you could ever forgive me or give us another chance, I didn’t want to see you hurt. That’s why I acted like a crazy person.”

I looked away from Rodney for a minute, staring out the window at the trees. What a mess.

Taking a deep breath, I looked back at Rodney. “Your timing sucks, as always. Thanks for your honesty. I appreciate all you’ve said, but you gotta know I can’t even think about any kind of relationship right now. Maybe not ever. If that’s a problem for you, with me staying here, just say so. I can find another place.”