Page 37 of Shut Up and Drive

“With all due respect, Fina, maybe weshouldstart having the uncomfortable conversations. This isn’t going to fix itself unless we put in the work.”

She twists in her seat to look at me and crosses her legs underneath her.

“I know our moms had good intentions, but I don’t think my heart can take reliving everything I felt when you left.”

Her words punch me in the gut. I can’t breathe. I’ve never had the wind knocked out of me verbally before, and it’s not something I ever want to experience again. I know I hurt her. It was something I could never outrun, no matter how far away I went—or how long I stayed away. A new flavor of regret pours over me and leaves a bitter aftertaste of shame behind.

I instinctively put my hand on her knee like I used to, and force a smile. I muster all the patience I have to go at her pace, and say, “Okay. You let me know when you’re ready, then.”

“You say that like I’m the only one holding us back from healing the past,” she says with a sharp tone.

I shrug. “I’m ready when you are, Fina. I’vebeenreadyfor a while now.” When her silence hangs between us, I pull my hand back to the steering wheel and finish under my breath, “That’s kind of why I came back home.”

She blinks furiously and swipes at a rogue tear before clearing her throat.

“How about this: we leave the past alone for now, and just focus on moving forward. We’re off to a good start by trying to be civil. Maybe if we focus on the future instead of the past, we can learn to be friends again.”

I don’t like ignoring the wedge that has grown between us, but I realize that forgiveness with Fina is going to be more like a dance than a marathon—one step forward, two steps back.Cha cha cha.That measly olive branch is all she’s willing to offer right now.

So I take it.

Chapter 14

HENRY CAVILL AND AN AIRPORT BATHROOM

Sera

“So, how do we do this, then?” I ask with more vulnerability in my voice than I planned for.

Thane takes a deep breath in, and I see for the first time how hard this is for him too. “I guess we start by setting some ground rules?”

I nod slowly. “That sounds good. To make it fair, I’ll set some, and you set some.”

“Okay. Rule number one: be honest about feelings,” he starts.

Crap. I’m already breaking number one.

“Rule number two,” I chime in, “no flirting, kissing, or romance. I know that this will be a hard one for you, since you’re a pathological flirt.”

“I am not,” he protests with a cocky grin.

“Yes you are, you’re doing it now!”

“I can’t help that I’m charming and smoldery.”

I roll my eyes so hard they nearly fall out of their sockets and land in my lap.

He laughs and adds, “Okay, fine. Then you can’t be all cute and fiery.”

“You think I’m cute and fiery?”

Thane groans in exasperation. “Seriously, Fina? How am I supposed to answer that? If I lie, I’m breaking rule number one. And if I tell the truth, I’m breaking rule number two.”

“Admitting you think I’m cute and fiery is flirting?”

“Yes, because it’s one of my favorite things about you, and I can’t say it without grinning like a fool.”

My heart fumbles all over itself, and I look away to hide my own smile.