Balance (Oakley’s Crew #2)

11. Cane

11

CANE

I need to tread carefully, and I know that. But part of me is angry and weary. Evie didn’t tell anyone with Oakley’s Crew that we broke up, and it just doesn’t feel right. Maybe she was embarrassed and didn’t want to tell the guys—I should have been there to tell them.

But I don’t know—deep down, I think she might be in denial, and I know I have to face this head-on. I go back to our conversation—I thought it was clear, but maybe it wasn’t clear enough.

I park outside of the house that was supposed to be mine, too, but never felt that way. I admire the work Oakley’s Crew has done and know they’ll more than likely be here soon. Last night, I contemplated coming here but turned off just before I got to the road. I had to get my head on straight before I faced Evie.

I owe her this.

I owe myself this.

A little bit of closure. And I have to do it right.

I climb out of my truck and walk up the steps to the front door. Evie’s car is here, so I’m sure she is too. I knock lightly so I don’t startle her, and when she answers, it’s with a bright smile that makes my heart sink a little. “I knew you’d be back.”

And there it is. The reason I had such a sense of dread coming here. “I’m not back.” I try to keep my voice calm and soft. “You know that. Not like that.”

Her face falls, but she tries to hide it. I hate it for her. Always well-behaved. Afraid to make a scene. She’s stronger than that, but she was raised to be quiet. It’s not fair.

“Evie...” I reach out to take her hand, but she jerks it away.

“Why are you here then?”

I swallow hard. Her rejection hurts, but I don’t blame her for being mad at me. Honestly, it’s good to see her get angry for once. “Evie, Archie stopped by the store. He said he was working here today.”

She crosses her arms over her chest, her eyes welling up with tears. “Why would he stop by your store? He went there to tell on me?”

“No. I think... he was just wanting to see the store. He didn’t know about our breakup.”

A tear slides down her cheek, and she brushes it away with her hand and sniffs. “I still want the landscaping done. Even if there won’t be a wedding.”

I nod my head slowly. That makes sense. Her father is paying for it, but still, I need to offer to chip in. “I can pay my half...”

“No,” she says instantly. “It was a wedding gift. You don’t need to do that.”

I want to fight her on it, but I also don’t want to push her to the edge. “Are you okay?” It’s a dumb question, but one I really have to ask. I know the answer.

But she lies to me anyway—being as stubborn as she is. “I’m fine.”

I nod, expecting that answer. “What about your family?”

Her chin lifts high, and she looks up at me, determination and anger in her eyes. “What about them?”

“Did you tell them?”

She bites on her bottom lip now, her chin wobbling. “No. Why would I do that when you’re going to come back, Cane? We both know it.”

My heart feels like it’s dropped into my stomach. “No, Evie. I’m not.”

“Don’t say that.” Her tears are falling more now, and I feel like an asshole. In fact, I know I am, but I have to end this.

“Evie, we’re over. This is it. It wasn’t fair to you.”

“What wasn’t?” She wipes at her face. “Loving me? You’re a good man, Cane. Whether you believe it or not. You just don’t know what you want. But it’s okay. Once we get married, it will all be okay.”

“But that’s the thing...” My throat hurts as I try to swallow the lump inside it. “We aren’t getting married. I don’t want to get married.”

“To me, right?” Her eyes flash with anger. “That’s what you really mean, isn’t it? There’s just something about me that isn’t quite good enough? Because I have done everything right. This isn’t fair.”

“I know,” I say and place a hand on her shoulder. “I know it.” She looks away from me, and I hate myself even more. “I’m sorry, Evie. You did do everything right. Everything.”

“And yet you still don’t want to marry me.”

“I don’t,” I say firmly because it has to be clear. I can’t hurt her anymore. I can’t play with her emotions, even if that’s not what I meant to do. “I can’t marry you, Evie. We aren’t right for each other.”

“How can you say that? We’re the perfect match.”

“I don’t know.” Because she’s right. On paper, we really are. I loved her, but it wasn’t enough. I hear vehicles approaching and look at Evie. “Do you want me to tell your family? I owe you that much.” I can face her father.

“No,” she says quickly, dashing at her eyes and looking at the two trucks that have pulled up.

“Evie... I can do it. Let me tell your family.” I nod in the direction of Oakley’s Crew. “And them.”

“No,” she sobs. “I’ll tell my parents today.”

I can hear footsteps, and then I hear a concerned voice, turning to see Oakley approaching. “Everything okay?”

Before I can say anything, Evie steps in front of me. “The wedding is off.” Oakley looks disappointed and shocked, but Evie puts on a bright smile and wipes at her tears. “It’s okay. It’s amicable, I assure you.” She places her hand on my shoulder. “Sometimes things don’t work out.”

I’m not buying her act, and I’m not sure Oakley is either, but he smiles politely at her anyway. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

I watch as Walker, Jackson, and finally Archie approach the porch but can’t bring myself to look at him.

“It’s fine,” she says, widening her smile. “I still want the work finished, please. A little present to myself.”

Oakley nods, looking pretty uncomfortable. “Sure. Of course.”

“Thanks, boys,” she says before they glance at me, and then all four head to their trucks to gather tools. I turn back to Evie, keeping my voice low because I don’t want to add to her embarrassment. “If you want me to call guests or whatever, I will.”

“We’re really done,” she says it quietly. It’s not a question either. It’s like it’s really finally sinking in.

“Yes.”

She nods her head and sniffles, but no more tears fall. “I’ll tell my parents, and I’m sure my mom will make the calls.”

“I’m so sorry,” I say honestly.

She just waves me off, strong and determined. “I’ll be fine. You know me.”

“I do,” I say with a fond smile. “Guess I have some phone calls to make on my side though.”

She nods her head at that and then stands up on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek. “I’ll always love you, you know?”

I close my eyes and breathe in her sweet perfume—it’s comforting to me after all these years. But it doesn’t make me tremble with need like it used to. I give her a quick hug, and then I pass Oakley’s Crew on my way to the truck.

I give Archie a smile and a quick nod, catching a whiff of his woodsy scent that threatens to make my knees weak, and I’m such a goddamn asshole.

But I still can’t help the light feeling as I make my way to the truck—even knowing I have to make a call that will not go well.

I feel different.

And for the moment, different feels pretty good.