I frown, turn around, and I can’t process it at first, what I’m seeing. “I—” I clear my throat, trying my best to speak normally when my heart is thudding so hard against my ribs that the beats feel like physical blows, when my pulse is thrumming through my ears so loudly it’s making it hard to concentrate enough to form words. “H-how?” I rasp out. “Wh-why?”
Because it’sallI can get out.
Because behind me is an empty lot. And a realtor sign.
And perched on top of that sign is a smaller placard.
That reads…
SOLD.
“I know it’s a big step, a crazy step,” she says, her words rushing out in rapid succession. “But you mentioned that you liked that Brooks moved up here, and I’ve always loved it here too, always thought it would be nice to live near Chrissy and the others.” She nibbles at her lip, worry crawling into her eyes. Probably because I can’t summon any words and am just staring at her like an idiot. “So, I know this is stupid soon and probably insane, but I thought that maybe we could build something—a home—together. That we could maybe build it here.”
I open my mouth.
Close it.
Then open it again.
And then…I can’t stand it.
So, I turn on my heel and walk away.
Forty-One
Marie
I feelas though my heart is going to shatter when he turns and walks away.
I can’t believe I’ve been so wrong about this situation.
That I’ve fucked up so huge.
That he’s just like the?—
I freeze.
Drop into a crouch, my hands coming to the sides of my head, diving into my hair.
Because…he’s just like the others.
God, he’s just like the others.
My lungs hitch, my sobs almost escaping.
I can’t let him see.
Ican’t.
I need to get out of here. I need?—
Hands on top of mine, carefully pulling them away from my face.
“What’s the matter, cookie?” Jace murmurs, and I can’t look at him, can’t feel him this close. Not when?—
I pull my hands free, brush at my face. “It’s nothing,” I whisper, turning my head away.
There’s a long pause. Then, “Why are you crying, gorgeous?”
