He nodded. “I tried to convince myself I could do it, but it wouldn’t . . . He’s my brother, Lane. It wouldn’t be right.”

I wiped the tears off my cheeks with the back of my hand. “Where does that leave me, Simon? I feel like I’ve been toyed with in the worst kind of way, and what am I left with? I can’t be with Jamie, not after this. But I can’t be with you either.” I looked at the book he’d given me, then handed it back. “I think you need to take this back. I’m ready to go home.”

* * *

Another upside to North Carolina snow? It never stuck around long. By three on Sunday afternoon, most of it had already melted. Enough, at least, that the highways taking us back to Chapel Hill wouldn’t be a problem.

Simon and I kept our smiles on while we said good-bye to my family. It was possible, even likely they’d heard fragments of our argument floating up the stairs to where they’d been sitting in the kitchen. Thankfully, no one had brought it up.

Only John mentioned something when he gave me a hug good-bye. “You owe me a phone call,” he’d whispered.

I nodded. “Soon,” I told him.

Simon offered to drive on the way home. I agreed without a word, just tossed him the keys and moved to the passenger side of the car.

I leaned into the seat, staring out at the side mirror as the mountains grew smaller, their muted winter blues and grays blending into the matte November sky.

“Lane, please talk to me,” Simon said after nearly an hour of silence.

“No,” I said simply. “I don’t have anything I want to say.”

Dave: Yo. Where is everyone? This thread has never been dead this long.

Jamie: I’m flying in tomorrow. How was Thanksgiving with the in-laws?

Dave: Good. Did you get the specs I sent over on the new app?

Jamie: Yep. Sorry I didn’t respond. Was caught up with Byron when they came through. They look great though.

Dave: You popped the question yet?

Jamie: Not yet. Seeing her tomorrow night. Simon, you still good to get me from the airport?

Simon: Yeah. I’m planning on it.

Chapter 23