“Thank you for the tickets and the voucher. I will use them only because I don’t want them to go to waste. But for future reference, don’t do this again. Don’t decide for me. I don’t appreciate it at all. Now, I still have to wait fifteen minutes for the cake to be ready, and I’d like to be alone, please.”

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-One

Val

Over the next few days, Carter and I treated each other too politely, the way you do after a fight when there are still unresolved issues, and you know the other person still insists on their beliefs, but you don’t want to fight again. Our interactions were bordering on frosty, and I thought the girls picked up on it, which filled me with immense guilt.

I’d called Hailey and Lori the next morning. They had been ecstatic about the trip. The festival lasted two weeks, and the tickets were flexible.

Since Lori had weddings booked every weekend, we had to go during the week. Hailey had to ask her boss for time off. Two hours later, she confirmed she was up for it. Neither of them could miss work for more than two days, though, so I was flying out earlier to take advantage of the three-night stay.

My flight to Florida was scheduled on the afternoon of the same day that Carter traveled with the girls to Montana.

“Have fun with your grandparents,” I wished the girls as I dropped the three of them off at the airport.

“Thanks, Val.”

I squeezed them both in a tight hug until April snickered and Peyton squealed adorably.

“You have fun too, okay?” Carter murmured, kissing my forehead.

“Sure.”

He looked as if he wanted to say something more, then simply shook his head, and off they went. I felt a growing pressure in my chest as I waved them goodbye. Afterward, I hurried to Carter’s apartment to pack for my trip. I had to go to my house too, but since I’d brought a few essentials to his place, I’d gather those first.

I hated packing. So the first thing I did upon entering the apartment was turn on the music on my phone. My favorite songs always made everything better. Right then, though, they couldn’t assuage the ache I felt beneath my collarbone. I massaged my chest, wishing things between Carter and me would return to normal. Even the goodbye at the airport had been a little cold.

I knew that while he was sorry he’d hurt me, he still thought he had a point. At least he hadn’t repeated that insane point out loud. I was getting mad just remembering our fight and shook my head. I couldn’t get angry again, or I’d start a fight with myself.