TWISTED FATE (Twisted Path Book 1)

Chapter 23

Shane

By the time I pull up to the diner, my heart feels like it's about to burst out of my chest. When I checked my phone after practice and saw a message from Becca, I was thrilled—until I hit play.

The second I heard her voice, I knew something was wrong. Even as she tried to mask it, there was something off in her tone... a quivering type of uncertainty that sent my stomach into freefall.

"Sh-Shane. It's me. I... I need to talk to you. I know you're at practice, and I have work until ten, but it's pretty important. If you could wait up for me? I can call you after, when I get home. Fill you in..." She sighed, and the sound of it—so heavy, so defeated—made my chest ache. "Okay. I uh... hope you have a good practice. I'll call you later." I couldn't shake the sinking feeling her words left behind.

She wants to break up with me.

The thought slammed into me like thunder, loud and echoing and impossible to ignore. I barely remember the rush of what came next—jumping in the shower, throwing on clothes, speeding over here like my life depended on it.

Now I'm parked outside her work, staring at the neon glow slicing through the darkness. My chest is tight with dread, my imagination having spun itself into a full-blown panic.

What the hell was I thinking?

She's made it clear she wants to keep us a secret, and the last place I should be is here, where anyone could see me frantically searching for her. But what else can I do? I have to see her. A few minutes alone is all I need to figure out what's going on so I can find a way to fix it.

Maybe it's the way I couldn't stop staring at her today, no matter how hard I tried. It's so damn hard to keep my distance, especially during the classes we have together. God, the way she looked... I couldn't help myself. I went up to her and let my fingers brush against the bare sliver of skin at her waist. It was only a second, but Christ. She was so soft. So warm and perfect. It took everything in me not to pull her close and kiss her.

Could that be what's bothering her?

Did I cross the line and push too far?

See, this is exactly why I have to go in there. To tell her I'm sorry. To beg, plead, promise—do whatever it takes to get her to give me another chance. Because losing her isn't an option.

Unfortunately for me, the bell over the door signals my arrival, and as all eyes turn to me, the room falls silent. It's a familiar phenomenon I've come to expect no matter where I go in this town. I should have anticipated my arrival wouldn't go unnoticed. The fact I didn't only confirms what I already know—this is a terrible idea. And yet, when my gaze finds hers across the room, all my doubts disappear.

She needs me. I see it as clearly as the flicker of light in her downcast eyes. The subtle glance she sends toward the back of the diner is all the confirmation I need. Without hesitation, she turns away from the busy dining room, heading toward the employee area where the lockers and office are located.

Not wanting to make things too obvious, I go to the front counter, where I'm greeted by a smiling Aunt Rosie.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in. How are you, Shane?"

"Doing great, Aunt Rosie." With my nonchalant grin firmly back in place, I look around the crowded room. "Looks like business is booming."

"It is." She winks. "Why? You thinking of coming back to work?"

The teasing lilt in her voice makes me pause. Has Becca told her about us? My cheeks flush at the possibility, but I recover quickly. "Uh... sure. Anytime you need the help, give me a call."