Free Lost in Time (Forever and Always #20) by E. L. Todd Page A

tell me what I’ve wanted
to know forever.
    “I burned some bridges at work. I had a bad
attitude and I was difficult to work. Basically, they fired me and
bad-mouthed me all over town. No one wants to work with me now. I’m
known as a selfish asshole—which is completely true. The girls
quickly took off when they realized I wasn’t a hot shot anymore.
But I shouldn’t be surprised. People I thought were my friends
turned their backs on me, but now I don’t see why they would have
liked me to begin with.” He shook his head slightly. “I spent my
money on drugs and alcohol. I thought I was rich and pissed it all
away. When I had to pay taxes, I didn’t have enough money. They
took all my possessions, including my car and apartment. Now I’m
broke with no job.”
    Wow, that was a lot to take in. Even though
he deserved that fate, I felt bad for him. He really had hit rock
bottom.
    He shrugged. “I ask for help from friends, or
people who I thought were my friends, but they turned their backs
on me. They wouldn’t even let me sleep on their couch. I quickly
realized I had no one in the world who cared about me. And that
made me feel like shit. But the worst part is knowing I deserved
it.” He took a deep breath before he continued. “I didn’t tell my
parents because I knew exactly what would happen. They wouldn’t
help me. My dad was adamant about Flynn and I taking care of
ourselves. If I told him I’d fallen, he would just tell me to get
back up. But I really have nowhere to go. I’m broke and jobless.
Flynn was the only person who accepted me without question. He’s
the only person I can rely on…”
    My heart ached at his words. Without
thinking, I reached across the table and rested my hand on his. The
touch felt warm. He didn’t pull away and I let it rest there. “We
all fall down every once in a while.”
    He stared at our joined hands.
    “When I was dancing, I barely had enough
money to pay food and rent. My parents disowned me when I told them
I wanted to dance for a living. They never gave me support in
school or for anything else. I’ve never had anyone to turn to. I
felt alone for the longest time. It got so bad that I couldn’t
afford food or groceries. Flynn knew I was struggling even though I
never asked for help. One night, he placed groceries in front of my
door and walked away. I was drowning but he kept me above water.” I
rubbed his knuckles before I pulled my hand away. “My point, Flynn
loves you and he’ll always be there for you. He’s the one person
you can count on.”
    “I know,” he whispered.
    “I’m sorry to hear about all of that.”
    “Why should you be?” he said bitterly. “I was
a total ass to you. And you were still nicer to me than I
deserved.”
    I shrugged. “I love your cocky brother.”
    He smiled slightly.
    “I take no pleasure knowing you failed, Cade.
But sometimes we have to lose everything before we realize we need
to change our ways. I admit you were an ass to me, but if that’s
not who you are anymore, I’m not going to hold it against you.”
    “Really?” He seemed surprised.
    “I’m not perfect. I’ve done a lot of things I
was forgiven for. You deserve forgiveness too.”
    “I haven’t technically apologized.”
    “Then do it now.”
    “Okay.” He smiled slightly before he dropped
it. “I’m sorry about everything, Hazel. You’re a cool girl and I’d
like to get to know you better.”
    “I accept your apology.”
    “Thanks.”
    The waitress brought the food. I wasn’t
hungry anymore but I dug in anyway.
    “Cade?”
    “Hmm?”
    “Why didn’t you tell Flynn this?”
    He shrugged. “I’m embarrassed.”
    “Then why did you tell me?”
    “I can tell you’re a sweet person.” He dipped
his ngam into the hummus then took a bite. “I was only an ass to
you because you called me out on my shit. But it was immature for
me not to let it go. When it escalated, it just got worse, but it’s
my fault it happened. Anyway,