coming here. This story was over long ago. Flynn won’t talk to you, and neither will the residents of Hope. I’ve returned simply to look after my godmother, who fell a week ago, spraining one ankle and breaking the other. She’ll be well again soon and I’ll be back on the set of Lake Street. And I think that’s our questions done.”
The journos shook their heads at Ellie’s saccharine smile, shoving their notebooks into their bags. “Thanks for your time,” offered the one who loved Lake Street. “Give your godmother our best wishes.”
Ellie politely shook their hands. They walked back to the hall and she watched to make sure the reporters took the road out of town and not the one to Flynn’s place. Then she made her way to Matilda’s to collect the Premier. The interview had gone much better than she’d expected, but talking to the journos had made her realize something. It was time she faced her fears.
If she were to stay in Hope Junction any longer, she needed to face her guilt and speak to Flynn.
A BITTER FLYNN stripped down to his undies and plunged into the dam. Today was uncharacteristically warm for August—and especially compared to the weekend—but it wouldn’t have made a difference if it were freezing. He needed to let off steam, to exert energy—and fast. The altercation with the journalists and seeing Ellie again had put him in a bad mood. Bad moods he didn’t like. He generally saw the positives in a situation when everyone else was full of woe—at least nowadays—but right now the positives could take a hike.
“Argh!” He let out a piercing roar as he came up for air. Why? How? How could he let Ellie take hold of him again like this? He’d promised Lucy he’d be there to see her audition, and instead he’d stormed off in a rage.
He swam a couple of laps, trying to sort his churning thoughts into some kind of order. But it didn’t work. The morning’s fiasco played over and over and over again in his throbbing head. Whether he left his eyes open or shut them tight all he saw was Ellie. Gorgeous and confident as she’d walked toward the journalists and taken control of the situation.
Even now, as he turned to swim another lap, there she was, standing on the edge of the dam, looking utterly delectable in tight jeans and that mysteriously irresistible rugby sweater. Ignoring the mirage, he dived back under and charged the other way, and then back again. Through the water, he thought he saw a golden Premier sitting on the dirt just behind the image of Ellie. He emerged and blinked, hoping she and the car would disappear. That his imagination would stop playing nasty tricks. Instead, Ellie was clearer than ever as she lifted a hand and waved tentatively at him.
She’s real!
Her top lifted slightly as she waved and he copped a glimpse of a toned, tanned, terrific stomach. The desire packed a punch and he almost went under.
“Are you okay?” she called out.
Flynn struggled back above the water and saw Ellie running toward him, her deep chocolate hair blowing behind her in the wind. He couldn’t believe she still knew where to find him. Dismissing that thought, Flynn swam to the side and scrambled out, yanking on his jeans over wet skin and tense muscle.
“What the hell are you doing here?” he asked. She was kind enough to avert her gaze while he dressed, but Ellie finding him seminaked wasn’t the problem. It was her being here full stop. Smoothing his T-shirt over his wet chest, he stared at her and shivered. “Well?”
“I thought it was time we talked.” Her voice wavered, and Flynn swore he saw tears welling in her eyes. Eyes almost the same brown as her hair. Her hands were behind her back, making him wonder if she’d crossed her fingers. He remembered holding those hands...could still recall how soft they were.
Stop!
Determined not to let the memories get to him, he let out a derisive snort. “You’re ten years too late. Besides, I’m busy.”
“Five minutes, Flynn. Please?” The way she looked at him stalled his anger for a brief second. She took her chance. “I know I don’t deserve any time at all, that the way I left was unforgivable, but I need you to know it wasn’t because of you.”
“The old it’s-not-you-it’s-me, hey?” Flynn’s voice seeped disbelief as he bent to pull on his boots. She was once the best friend he’d ever had, and now he didn’t know her at all. “Is this supposed to make me feel better or just absolve you?”
“Both,” she replied honestly. “I’m sorry for hurting you, Flynn. There’s nothing I regret more in the world. I was totally messed up back then, and I truly didn’t want to bring you down with me. I thought by leaving I was doing you a favor.”
Flynn didn’t know which part of that to respond to. He took a moment. “What do you mean messed up? I thought you were happy. I thought we were happy.”
It was true, Flynn had never been happier than in those years he’d spent with Ellie. It was a high he’d never managed to reach since. She’d ruined him for anyone else.
“We were happy.” She bit her lip and her eyes brimmed with more tears. “But...you remember how I went to Perth to see my mother?”
He frowned, thinking back. “Yes. I was meant to go with you.”
She sniffed. “I wish you had.”
“Why?” Without thinking he gestured to a shady spot underneath a nearby tree. Despite everything, he could feel himself mellowing toward her. Although she was older and more refined, there was something about her that he still recognized. Something about her he still liked. Against his better judgment, he wanted to spend a little time with her.
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