Joshua Healy (The Mitchell/Healy Family #10)(16)

Following the conversation and dinner entertainment, I stick around to play cards with the adults. My sister drills me for more information on Tamsyn, while Wes remains shocked he knew her all along. When it’s time to go I say my goodbyes and head out. My sister stops me before I can climb into my truck. “Josh, hang on.”

“What?”

She waits until we’re face to face. “I know you care about Liv, so I wanted to be the one to tell you. She got engaged.”

“Bullshit.” My voice cracks as I say it.

“I wouldn’t lie about it, Josh. You’re my little brother. She called Wes yesterday as soon as he got home. We’ve been arguing about telling you.”

“Why?”

“Why? You really have to ask? Josh, you’ve been obsessed with her. It’s like you’re holding out because you think someday she’ll come back to you.”

“I am not,” I fight.

“Yes, you are. Wes knows the signs. He says you’ve been in love with Liv since you were teenagers, but tried to hide it. Apparently she told her brother all about the two of you a while back. Once she came clean it all made sense.”

“I’m not obsessed.”

“When is the last time you’ve been in a relationship?”

I shrug. “Never been interested.”

“Come on. It’s me you’re talking to, not Dad. Be honest with yourself. This news can’t be easy.”

Finally I forfeit the argument. “Fine.” My teeth grit together as I consider what this news means for my future. Liv is getting married. She loves another man. It’s never been me. I’ve been wrong this whole time. “It sucks.” I scratch my head and peer in another direction. “What do you want me to say, I’m happy for her? I am.” My brows furrow when I try to be positive. It’s obvious I’m nowhere near okay with it.

“Could’ve fooled me. I know it’s hard…” She reaches for my shoulder, though I move away so she’s unable to comfort me. I don’t want to feel like this in front of anyone, especially her. She’ll tell Wes, and right now I’m too ashamed to admit I’ve been a fool. There’s nothing they can say or do to make this easier for me.

“I don’t know what Liv told you, but we’re nothing. We never were more than a good time to each other. Stop reading more into it. I’m good.” I begin to climb into my truck.

“If you’re so good, then why are you running?”

“I ain’t running. I’ve got somewhere else I need to be.”

“Be stubborn. If you need us just call. We love you.”

“Yeah, love you too. Thanks for dinner. Next time keep your shirt on.” I slam the door and start the engine to prevent from being able to hear anything further. I need to get out of there. It’s impossible to comprehend all the emotions going through my head. I feel sick to my stomach, and I know it’s my own fault.

Well after midnight, I’m out driving around. My head won’t clear. I’m a mess. I want to smash my fist into something. I want to drive to New York and shake some sense into her. I just want someone to understand what it’s like to lose hope.

Then it hits me. I know someone going through a similar situation. I pull out my phone and look for the number she left me before we parted ways. I have no clue where she might be, or if she’s even going to answer, but I’m desperate for company.

“Hello?” Her voice is groggy.

“Tamsyn, it’s me, Josh. Look, I know it’s late.”

“It’s fine. I haven’t been able to fall asleep.”

“Can I see you again?”

“Are you sure you want to? I’ve spent all day reminding myself how much of a mess I was last night.”

“I wouldn’t be asking if I wasn’t certain.”

“When? I’m free most evenings.”

“What are you doing right now?”

I hear a muffled sound on her end of the line. “Right now? Josh, I’m a mess.”

“I don’t give a shit what you look like. You look good no matter what. Just tell me where to pick you up.”

The line is silent for a few seconds. “I’m actually at a hotel. I grabbed my things from the dorm when my roommate wasn’t there. My car is packed to the brim, but I couldn’t face my parents.”

“Can I come there?”

“Yeah, I guess. Are you all right, Josh? I know we’re not exactly the best of friends, but you sound off.”

“Just tell me where to go.”

She gives me directions before the call ends. I know it’s like adding fuel to the fire, but I need to be around someone who won’t be able to make matters worse. Maybe she can lighten the blow. It’s all I can hope for at this point.





Chapter 8


Tamsyn


I never expected to hear from Josh this soon. Now I’m scatterbrained as I try to primp before he arrives. I jump in the shower and wash every crevice, before applying makeup and dressing in a matching pajama short set.

Unlike the previous evening, I’m semi-sober, and a lot less distraught. I’ve always thought I was a good judge of character up until yesterday. I have no idea why this man wants to spend time with me, but since I can’t get a lick of sleep, I’m up for the company, even when I know it’s a terrible idea.