And that I’m not the first…
God, I’m such an idiot for falling for his entire act. Falling for him, especially now that I know what being taken care of feels like. Or at least, I think I do.
My jaw tightens, but all I can manage is a brittle, “He started it.”
Jennifer’s head drops, her hand covering her mouth as her chest heaves. It takes a moment for her to regain her control. “I just…I needed to hear it from you. You disappeared so fast, never answered the company’s emails. Maybe, you could talk to me before you disappear again?”
The crowd’s still buzzing, but the energy shifts. Some pity in the glances now, less judgment.
Daisy squeezes my hand again, and her dark eyes speak volumes in the silence.
Don’t you dare crumble in front of them.
I nod stiffly, but inside I’m spiraling.
People have their phones out, recording this. The fuckers. The whispers turn into questions rather than accusations.
It’s hard to hear past how I’m gulping for air.
Talking to Nick’s wife means reopening doors I’ve slammed shut.
The pain is already a steady beating presence in my chest.
In the weeks before we were caught, before I realized everything he told me, promised me, was a lie, we’d been talking about getting married, about the kind of ring I might want, a special overseas wedding…if I wanted children.
It hurts worse to know he’s already had those things and that he didn’t care about the vows he made to his wife.
That his promises would never be enough to keep him and his love in check.
I can’t believe I’d wanted it with him at all.
Sucking in a slower breath, finding the calm that took over me as I’d packed up my life and ran back home, I let it settle over my shoulders.
I can talk with her.
Because even though I can use the closure, Jennifer needs it more.
It may not be my fault, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not part of the reason she’s so hurt. I owe her this.
I know damn well the men in my life won’t like it one bit, but this is necessary.
When I glance at Daisy, I see Adam, Gabe, and Greyson hovering just a few feet away, anger and sadness and protection in their expressions.
The fact that they let my sister stand up for me, that they’re not swooping in to save the day gives me strength.
They trust me to make my own decisions.
To be an adult.
I step forward, ready to face this. Finally.
Pointing to a stand with no line, I make my peace offering. “Let me buy you some cocoa, and we can go chat.”
“Okay. Thank you.”
Jennifer stiffens as I come closer, and I’m sure my half-hearted smile isn’t reassuring. “It’s freezing. Come on, the cocoa will help.”
She nods and follows me to the stand.
