“Yeah, but it’ll sneak up on you. It’s better to apply during your senior year than wait until after graduation. And your GPA—”

“It’s all gonna work out exactly the way it should. I promise,” Ivy states confidently, taking a bite of her wrap.

“Not that it matters, but you’ll always have a job with me,” Harper tells her.

“Whatever you do, I’ll support it. Just don’t want you to sell yourself short,” I tell Ivy genuinely.

“Thanks, and I won’t,” Ivy confirms.

“So you’re still going with Aiden to The Nutcracker tomorrow?”

I meet her eyes. “Yes, but I’m a little nervous about it,” I admit.

“Don’t be. He seems nice enough. Plus, you’ll be texting me through the entire thing anyway. Just use our code word if you need me to rescue you.”

I chuckle. “I’m sure being on my phone won’t be off-putting at all.”

“He’s a doctor. His cell is probably superglued to his palm.”

I cringe. “That’s even worse.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

KNOX

That you’d be the one to break my heart.

Her final text has circulated in my head for days.

I’ve been in a shittier mood than usual ever since I caught wind of Hadleigh going on a date with another man. Ethan told me first thing this morning. I know I have no right to say anything since I told her I was walking away, but I’m not happy about it. Even after my parents talked to me, I didn’t reach out to her. I still believe she’s better off with Kane, but her going on a date with another man confuses the shit out of me.

Does that mean Kane called it quits too?

Or did she tell him she was no longer interested?

I have no idea what happened between them and can’t muster the courage to ask either.

But I guess none of it matters. Even if I reached out to her, she’s already moved on and is dating other guys. A doctor.

How could I ever fuckin’ compete with that? He’s probably charming and rich. Or he could have a stick up his ass like other doctors I know. But hell, this guy could be perfect for her and give her everything she’s ever needed. The more I think about it, the more agitated I become.

After I finish my daily tasks, I shower and head to the B&B for dinner. Right now, I need to keep my mind busy and focus on something else, even if it’s impossible. As soon as I walk into the B&B, I see my parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents all eating together.