Jilted. Rachael Johns

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.