Chapter 2
CHAPTER TWO
CARTER
I knew she wouldn’t be excited to see me. Not after the way things ended with us, which wasn’t exactly my fault. Not completely.
“Seriously, Justin,” Corinne turns toward her step-brother, “what is he doing here?”
“I’m here for the trip, Rin.” I shake my head as if she’s being ridiculous. “What other reason would I be standing in this room?”
Justin tries to answer, but she doesn’t give him the chance. “Absolutely not. There’s no way in hell I’m going on this trip with him. It’s supposed to be a stress-free weekend getaway. How is that supposed to happen when your wingman is out causing trouble?”
Wingman? I can’t be one of those when he’s practically married. If anything, he’s mine. “Why am I classified as a troublemaker?”
Three sets of eyes fall on me, eyebrows lifted in question. Audrey finally speaks up. “No offense, Carter, but you tend to go ham when we go out. And where we’re going isn’t exactly used to that. Everyone knows everyone in this town.”
“Are you saying I’m going to embarrass you and your cousins?” I should be offended, but she’s not completely wrong. I can get out of hand. Justin usually pulls me back when I’ve gone too far, but he’s not around as much. Then it was Corinne. Until I pissed her off.
So maybe it was partly my fault, and I don’t blame her. But, geez, I don’t think it warrants the frosty tone everyone is giving me.
“Yes,” Corinne answers. “Maybe I’ll take my own car. I won’t have to worry about my camera being thrown around in the back.”
I almost offer to stay behind after all, but Justin comes to the rescue. “That’s dumb. We can all ride in one car. I’m sure the two of you can get along during the four-hour drive.”
“Doubtful,” Corinne mutters, “but fine. I’ll go grab my stuff out of my car. Do I need to move it in the driveway?”
“Most likely,” her brother says. “Especially if you don’t want it dinged up.”
“I can help.” I start to follow her out of the house.
But she raises a hand to keep me at bay, and that’s all the answer I need.
I wasn’t even supposed to come on this trip.
I worked my way into it so I could see Corinne.
To try and patch things up between us. Maybe even win her back.
She’s kept her distance since we broke up and this will be the first I’m around her for any length of time.
It looks like I have my work cut out for me. She’s not going to make this easy.
* * *
Thank God Justin has an SUV. The ride in a car would be almost unbearable.
Not because of the size, but from the vibe coming from Corinne.
She has gone as far as putting her camera bag in the seat between us, leaving me with very little room to spread my legs.
My only saving grace is Audrey is sitting in front of me.
Had it been Justin, I would be miserable.
Audrey offered to sit in the back, but I couldn’t make her do that.
Besides, if that were the case, I wouldn’t be this close to Corinne.
“We’re making a bathroom and food stop,” Justin says as he takes the next exit. He pulls into a parking spot, and kills the engine.
Him and Audrey get out of the car, but Corinne makes no move to exit.
Okay, that’s weird. She loves food from this particular gas station.
“Do you want anything?” She shakes her head and doesn’t say a word.
The silent treatment is already getting old and we’re not even close to being done with this weekend. “You have to talk to me eventually.”
She turns toward the window, acting as if I don’t exist. I honestly don’t know why I bother at this point. At this rate, she’s never going to give me a chance to make my past mistakes up to her. Sighing, I open the door and get out of the car.
Entering the store, I go straight to the food counter. They have sausage sandwiches wrapped in foil packing under heat lamps. I grab two before heading off to find some chocolate and get a couple of drinks.
I beat both Audrey and Justin to the car, though they aren’t far behind me. Once I’m settled in the backseat, I pull my purchases out of the bag. I place a sandwich, chocolate bar, and root beer on top of the camera bag. My peace offering to the woman on the other side.
It takes her a few moments to look down, but when she sees the items between us, a small smile tugs at her lips. It’s not monumental, but it’s progress. I’ll take that any day of the week.