There are no other questions. My brain feels fried, so I grab my jacket and step into the hallway. I head out to the parking lot, slide into the driver’s seat, and just sit there a minute, watching the night settle around me.
Finally, I open my phone.
Me: How are you?
It takes a few minutes, but her reply pops up.
Bayleigh: Fine.
I frown.Finenever means fine for anyone. I’ve talked to enough customers, fans, and others to know that.
Me: Just fine?
A long pause. Then?—
Bayleigh: Sorry. I’m just upset…I got into it with Benton.
My stomach sinks.
Me: Because of me?
Bayleigh: Because of you and Milton. Benton saw me helping him at the charity event. He can’t let this stupid rivalry go with your brother. He’s being an asshole.
I stare at the screen, jaw tightening. She helps someone, and this is the thanks she gets?
Me: Can I help?
Bayleigh: No. I just need to cool down.
Bayleigh: I slapped him.
My brows shoot up.
Me: Wow. That bad, huh?
Bayleigh: He brought up my scent match.
For a second, I just stare at the words. It feels like someone sucker-punched me. She’s got a scent match out there? Some guy who’s supposed to be hers. My chest goes tight, breath catching in my throat.
Why hasn’t she mentioned it before? And if she’s already matched…what the hell have we been doing?
Something in me won’t stop asking more about him. Where is he? And why the hell is she humoring this thing with me?
Me: I didn’t know you’d met your scent match…
Bayleigh: I did. Met him freshman year of college. He rejected me because I’m deaf. Well… he knew I was deaf, but he rejected me after I spoke. He rejected me in front of everyone.
I freeze, reading it twice.She spoke.And he humiliated her.
I feel stupid for not realizing she could, but I know better than to bring it up. The last thing she needs is pity.
I press my thumb hard into the steering wheel, anger sparking hot and fast.
What kind of bastard looks at a woman like her—-smart, kind, beautiful—-and throws her away because of something she can’t change?
Because she’s different?
Me: What an asshole.
