Letting Go of Us

By Ashley Dreswick-Dollinger

Allie and Everett have been inseparable since they met as teenagers. Flash forward, and they are twenty-six. Their life appears to be perfect the way it is despite Everett's constant traveling for his job. When Allie's friend mentions how boring Allie and Everett's relationship is, Allie begins to believe it may not be so perfect after all. Everett has made her feel alone and isolated. As a result of this, Allie finds herself doing things she wouldn't normally do, including making a mindless decision that ends in betrayal. Can Everett move past Allie's mistake? Will Everett's attempt to rekindle their passion for each other be enough for them to hold on? Or will letting go be the answer to what both Allie and Everett need to find their own individual happiness?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 11, 2024
• ISBN: 9798892210553

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

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Letting Go of Us

Ashley Dreswick-Dollinger

Copyright © 2024 Ashley Dreswick-Dollinger

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2024

ISBN 979-8-89221-054-6 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-89221-055-3 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Prologue

Allie

It's always been us. Me and him. Him and me. We have become inseparable throughout the years. Sometimes, what appears to be the perfect relationship on the outside has its flaws on the inside. I can't explain what has changed for me, but my heart has shifted. I already know how devastated he will be when I walk out that door. Will he chase after me? Will he find me? Deep down within me, would part of me want him to? I feel like maybe he isn't the one I was meant to be with. Leaving might give me the clarity I need to find the answers I'm looking for. Will it always be him? Or is it someone else?

Chapter 1

Allie

I'm standing on our front porch as the sun begins to rise. This is one of the best times to reflect on life, to reminisce where you've been and where you are now. We've been together since we were teenagers, but in an instant, we are twenty-six. We know what we have, and nothing will ever change that.

The warmth of the rays begins to dance across my skin. Although this feels nice, the heat that radiates from his hand as he caresses my arm feels much better.

Good morning, Everett. I close my eyes and smile as I soak in this moment.

Good morning, babe. I brought out your favorite. Hot chocolate with exactly four marshmallows, one layer of whipped cream, and a drizzle of caramel on top. Everett is very much aware I'm not a coffee drinker, so this is always my go-to beverage when I'm craving something hot to drink.

You get it exactly right every time. How did I get so lucky to find someone like you?

It must be because I'm so appealing in more ways than one, right, Allie? The way his dark-blond hair shines in the sun, along with the sparkle in his teal-blue eyes, definitely makes him so appealing.

Okay, I clearly see I have you getting way too into your own self, so that's my cue to take my hot chocolate and start getting ready for work. I roll my eyes at him, but in a lighthearted sort of way. He gets my humor by now.

I work at a restaurant as a waitress. I got this job when I was twenty years old and have been at the same place ever since. My first and only job. Some days are good, and some days are not so pleasant, but I enjoy interacting with the customers, and there are always the regulars that make you want to keep coming back every day. I'm sure I will expand my interests toward a new direction someday, but for now, this is where I want to be. I like to get to work fifteen minutes early each time because it stresses me out too much to rush around then jump right into my day. It throws me off until the end of my shift if I arrive late. Thankfully, I have my girl Addison, whom I work with, to keep me entertained throughout the day. She hasn't been there as long as I have, but we attached to each other from the beginning.

Come on, seriously? I say to myself as I'm driving. Traffic is barely moving, and I won't get to the restaurant early. To pass time, I flip through the radio stations, but most of it is talking and more talking. I turn it off and continue my forever drive in silence, except for the noise of the horns blaring all around me. Ugh. Finally, I make it, but I end up being thirty minutes late. What an awesome way to start my day.

Allie, what happened to you being more than punctual? You must have been heading toward some type of record by now, but that's currently void, Addison says with a smirk on her face.

Don't you have some orders to take? I walk away to my section of tables and dive right in. The day doesn't go as terribly as I thought it would have. Six o'clock comes faster than I expected, which is the time I usually leave, but I have to stay longer because of this morning. Addison and I have the same shifts together for the most part, but today, she stayed behind with me, so she's in the break room with me when we get our stuff to leave.

So are you and Everett having your usual date night tonight? She just had to make that kissy face at me to add effect.

As matter of fact, we are. You should know by now our routine never changes, Addison. We spend time together when it best fits into his schedule.

What if you spiced things up a little and tried something different? It's got to be so boring doing the same old thing.

I mean, yeah, sure. We are pretty consistent, but that doesn't mean we aren't appreciating the time we spend together.

I'm just saying. All the repetitiveness could turn dull, and one of you might look elsewhere to get more excitement in his or her life.

What? I know you are trying to help…I think, but quit while you are ahead, okay? Good night, Addison. I brush past her, and I make my way home to have my date night with the man that I love. Everett works in construction, but he doesn't always get to do the local jobs. Half the time, he has to travel to farther locations or even out of state. I definitely don't care for the out-of-state projects, but I support his passion for what he does, and sometimes, you have to keep your mouth shut so that the ones you love can be content. We don't always get to spend enough time together because of his job, so having our dates keeps us in sync with each other.

Hey, babe. Did your day get any better after being late this morning? I always call Everett on my lunch breaks, so he's already aware of how my day began.

It kind of sucked but could have been worse. Are you ready to head to the bowling alley?

Of course. Let me run upstairs and grab my jacket. I'll meet you in the car.

Waiting in the car for just a few minutes gives me a chance to break down the words Addison mentioned to me. It's got to be so boring doing the same old thing. One of you may look elsewhere. Ugh, she doesn't know what she's talking about. She hasn't even had a serious relationship of her own.

I don't even realize Everett is in the driver's seat. Is everything okay, Allie?

Yeah. Just something Addison said has me distracted.

Care to share with me?

Well, it was about our date nights and how unexciting they must be after so long.

You know Addison. She says the first thing that comes to her mind. I wouldn't take it to heart. Let's enjoy our evening because I never know when I'm going to be out of town again.

You're right. I'm going to push the negative thoughts away and focus on us. I give him a reassuring smile, but something about what she said resonates within me.

Chapter 2

Everett

Allie seems to be acting differently with me lately. It feels like it started after Addison had to say something to her about our personal life. It almost appears that Allie is considering that what she said could be true. I will have to talk to her about it, but first, I need to tell her that I have a job out of town again, and I am going to be gone for a week. I know she encourages what I do for a living, but I also know it takes a lot of valuable time away from the two of us. Hopefully, one day, she doesn't resent me for it.

I sneak up behind her as she's washing dishes. She even looks sexy just doing that, with her long brown hair down her back and her golden eyes checking each dish to make sure she didn't miss a spot.

I wanted to talk to you. She jumps half a foot into the air.

Why do you do that! She turns around, laughing and flicking soap bubbles onto my face. Since you are here, you can assist with drying.

Sure, babe. So anyway, I know this is the dreadful part of my job, but I have to travel this week, and I won't be home until Sunday.

It sort of doesn't surprise me anymore. I've become accustomed to it at this point.

I realize it's hard. On both of us. But I want to provide a stable future for us, and I know I have a long-standing position with this company.

I get it. As long as you come home safe and sound, that's all that matters. She wipes some soap off my face that was still there with a towel.

I appreciate you understanding, Allie. I kiss her on the cheek and go to get my stuff packed.

Hey, Everett, what's up? Ryan answers my call for once. He's been a good friend to me and Allie over the years, so I should be able to count on him.

"I'm heading out again for work this week, but Allie has been a little off lately. Could you just check in on her from time to time while I'm gone? I think it was something Addison said to her that is bothering her, so I want to make sure she's going to