That Second Chance (Getting Lucky #1)(91)

And right after we started dating?

I bite my bottom lip as my head falls back to the headboard, my eyes shut, the truth hitting me harder than I want as the palm reader’s face invades my mind.

It’s a sign.

A warning.

A blatant red flag telling me to stay away.

What else could it have been? Out of all the people to get hurt, Ren was the one who suffered most. I glance down at her beautiful face, bruised and battered, like she went ten rounds in a boxing ring. My stomach clenches, my chest tightening with pure fear.

I did this to her. She’s hurt because of me, because of the black cloud that hangs over me.

If I stay with her, what else could possibly happen to her?

Fuck, I don’t even want to find out.

Even though this woman has come into town like a beautiful windstorm and swept me up into her little world, I know it can’t last. For her safety, for my peace of mind, I can’t be with her, even though it will destroy me. In just a few months, Ren has rocked me to my very core, burying herself deep within my bone marrow. And there’s no doubt in my mind that when I walk away, she’s going to stay there for a very long time.





CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE





REN


I look up at the red-and-white sign that lights up the end of Main Street. THE LOBSTER LANDING. It seems so calm and peaceful right now, sans the hustle and bustle of tourists, and yet my world feels the exact opposite.

Just some advice to anyone listening: If you have the choice of being hit on the head by a two-by-four, say no. Bypass that little experiment, because I’m going to tell you right now, it’s no walk in the park.

The last few days I’ve had a headache and unending nausea.

Although that could be from all the worrying.

Let’s just say I haven’t had the best of luck when it comes to cars. Car accident back home that left me fighting for my life. Car accident here in Port Snow that left me fighting for my independence. And car accident in front of school—technically I wasn’t in a car, but the two-by-four left an impact—and this accident, I think, has been the worst of them all, because it’s left me fighting for my love.

You would think I would never want to be near another road again, but funnily enough, it’s the exact opposite. Being in all these accidents has only convinced me of one thing: I am resilient.

I am strong and capable of taking care of myself.

And I’m also determined, because no matter what gets in my way, I’m still going to face my fears. It’s why I told my parents right away about the accident—pretty sure my mom fainted—but I was open and honest with them. And I’m damn proud of myself for doing that.

It’s why I’m standing outside of the Lobster Landing, nervous as hell but with pride and determination in every single one of my steps. I will not cower. I will not let a speed bump steal my happiness.

I haven’t seen Griffin since the morning after the accident. He’s sent me texts checking up on me, but he hasn’t stopped by, and when I call, he texts me to say he’s busy but to let him know if I need anything.

Yes, I do need something.

I need him.

Three long days and no Griffin. I’m trying to convince myself that he’s just really busy with all the things he’s in charge of, that he’s not in fact pulling away.

But who am I kidding? Before the accident, he made time for me every day. Even after his shift at the fire department, he would sneak into my house and into my bed, where he would hold me all night.

There is no sneaking into my house.

There is no cuddling.

There is no Griffin.

And I’m worried.

I’m worried that he’s letting the “curse” get into his head. That he thinks he’s to blame for the accident. He hasn’t said it, but he doesn’t have to. I could see it all over his face when he found me on that gurney.

He was terrified, his eyes full of fear as he inspected my body, taking in every little cut and bruise. There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s letting his past get to him.

And I’m not about to sit back and let that happen.

That’s why I’m standing in front of the Lobster Landing an hour before closing time, wanting to talk to him. I figured if I could corner him where his family is, they’ll at least force him to talk to me. I need all the help I can get at this point.

I open the door to the shop, a bell ringing above my head as the smell of fudge immediately greets me, as does Jen’s friendly face.

There are a few customers milling about, but Jen immediately walks over and wraps me in a sweet hug. “Ren, how are you feeling?” She winces when she gets an up-close view of my eye. “Ouch, that can’t feel good.”

Doesn’t feel as bad as your brother ghosting me.

“It’s not the best thing to ever happen to me.” I smile tightly. “But at least the headaches are getting better, and I have this cool scar. Plus, the students know I took a two-by-four to the head and survived. Word on the streets is they think I’m a total badass.”

Jen chuckles. “I agree with them.” She looks me up and down, a smile playing at her lips. “Are you here for some sweets or to see Griffin?”

“Griffin.”

“He’s been quiet the last few days. Everything okay with you guys?”