Chapter 4

CHAPTER FOUR

COLT

My phone was burning hot in my hands with the way I was gripping it like it was my final lifeline. I never expected to get that message from Hayden on Instagram. I was astonished to see her message followed up with her phone number at the bottom.

She never changed her phone number. To say I was shocked about this turn of events was an understatement.

I stared at her message for a solid hour before gathering up whatever courage I had, tucked my tail between my legs, and opened my messenger app. I closed out of the app several times before bringing it back up and pulling up her name.

Come on, Colt, it’s fine. You made an ass out of yourself, now and then, but it’s fine. Nothing that isn’t salvageable. Hear her out and if you didn’t like what you heard, then you can both move on. Just let her say her peace.

Fuck it.

I hit the call button and brought it up to my ear, my palms sweaty and my heart beating erratically out of my chest.

“Hello?”

“Um, hi.” Way to go.

“Colt?”

Clearing my throat, I nodded. Another dumb move. “Yeah, it’s me.”

“I was not expecting a phone call.”

“I was not expecting that message.”

She laughed softly, and I had to admit, I missed the sound of her laugh.

“Touché. So, about that article?”

Sighing heavily, I looked out into the pasture to gather my thoughts. Having the opportunity to put my life out there on display was an unsettling thought. I didn’t do all those things for fame or to become some philanthropist. I did it because it was the right thing to do.

“Hello? Colt?”

“Oh, um, sorry. I was thinking. Yeah, so the article. Let’s do it.”

I could hear her smile through the phone. “Awesome! When and where do you want to meet up?”

“Tomorrow. You could come here.”

“Here as in…”

“My house.”

She hesitated, which made my nerves kick up a notch. “Oh, okay. Sure. I can do that. Text me the address.”

“I will. See you tomorrow, Hayden.”

“You too, Colt.”

We disconnected the call and hearing her voice didn’t settle my nerves at all. In fact, it only enhanced them. Admitting I was wrong felt like the right thing to do, but also the most nerve-wracking.

Running into her again made me realize I wanted to make amends with her, even after all this time. That night at prom, even in my heartbroken state, made me feel like I was chewing on glass with the words that were coming out of my mouth. My insides were churning with nerves, but I knew it had to happen.

How stupid was I to think she slept with Daryl Gates. The guy was two nails short of a toolbox. I never understood why he was so liked. The guy was a jerk, and made my middle school days hell because I was a little heavier. Thankfully, I started going to the gym and thinned and toned out, making him back off. But the harsh words left a lasting mark on my psyche.

Keeping myself busy to prepare for Hayden to come over was the only way to prevent my mind from wandering. I cleaned, vacuumed, and prepped whatever I could to keep my hands occupied for the time being.

This was either going to end in disaster or a good thing. I just hoped it was the latter.