Because Arron Matthews managed to jab directly at a wound that hasn’t healed, maybe never will.
He pickedBen.
And in the process, he drove a wedge directly between us. Emilia and I.
No. You did that.
Because she’s right. Ididn’ttrust her. Not completely.
“Em,” I say roughly. “Please. This – this wasn’t about you. It’s on me. I can explain it. Work on it.”
“I know that too.” Her shoulders straighten. “But I’m done with being a punchbag for other people’s issues, Jared. I can’t live like that again.”
My hands tighten on the bar. “I wouldneverhurt you.”
But Emilia’s smile is impossibly sad. “You just did.”
50
Emmy
Iback away from him.
“Em.” He leans over the bar. And his face – I canseethe apology there.
I’ve heard a lot of apologies in my life. I know when they’re genuine.
As it turns out, they’re the ones that hurt the most.
“Just… just forget it.” I’m breathing hard. Tears prickle at the back of my eyes, and I turn away so he can’t see. “Do your own thing tonight, Jared. I’ll get a cab home.”
“That’s what you want?” He stares at me. “I want to make this right, Em. I want to talk about this. Please.”
“We can talk.” I swipe my hand over my eyes. “But not tonight.”
I move back to the other end of the bar, swapping with Carla and avoiding any look in Jared’s direction. The false smile on my face comes easily enough.
I’ve had enough practice.
Toward the end of the night, the swarm finally begins to clear, and Carla sidles up to me with an apology in her eyes. “Your boy isn’t in great shape. I didn’t notice how many he’d had, it’s been so damn busy in here.”
That makes two of us.
I almost turn, before I stop myself. “It’s none of my business.”
A few minutes later, I briefly glance over as I move to grab the sweeping brush. Jared’s head is down on the bar, buried in his arms. An empty glass sits beside him.
My heart sinks. “Carla… you mind if I slip out early?”
She follows my gaze. “Sure, hon. You’ve done it for me enough times. I’ll call him a cab. Do you need one?”
“Thanks. I’ll grab one outside.” I pick up my bag and umbrella, quietly ducking under the bar flap. Jared doesn’t move. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
The Uber picks me up at the end of the road. I watch out of the window as the town passes by. We drive along the street leading to Ben’s – Jared’s – apartment, and I drop my eyes.
God, I’m tired.
I’m so fucking tired.
