“You’ve only had one relationship since high school, if you could even call it a relationship. I mean, don’t get me started on that douche.”
I flinched at the memory.
“Now you’ve got this guy right under your nose, who?—”
“Nothing’s going to come of it.” And ‘that douche’ was part of the reason why.
“Why not?”
“Because stuff like that doesn’t happen to people like me.”
The words slipped out before I could stop them. Too honest. Too revealing.
Mia stopped dead in her tracks. “What the fuck do you mean, people like you?”
“I just mean—” I scrambled for an explanation, something that would make sense without giving too much away. “You know. He’s older, more established. He’s got kids and an ex-wife and a whole life that doesn’t really have room for someone like me just fumbling through trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.”
It was weak. So weak. And from the way Mia’s eyes narrowed, she knew it too.
“That’s not what you meant.”
“It is.”
“Emily.”
“Mia, please?—”
“That is not what you meant and we both know it.” Her voice had gone sharp. Not angry, exactly. Something deeper than that. Something that made my throat tight. “What the hell kind of talk is ‘people like me’? You’re amazing. You’re smart and talented and kind and?—”
“Can we just drop it?” Jesus, that sounded much harsher than I meant it to. “I said something stupid. I didn’t mean it the way it sounded.”
She stared at me, her jaw working. I could see the war playing out across her face. Push or let it go. Demand answers or give me space.
Finally, she sighed. “You’re really upset, so I’ll let you off.” Her eyes locked on mine, serious and searching. “But I won’t forget you said it, just so you know.”
“Noted.” I didn’t even try to hide my relief.
We started walking again, but the easy comfort from before was gone, replaced by something heavier.
I shouldn’t have let that slip out. But it was the truth, wasn’t it? Guys like Cam didn’t end up with girls like me. Girlswho were broken in ways that didn’t show on the outside. And ways that did. Girls who carried secrets that would send anyone running for the fucking hills if they knew.
He was kind to me because I was helping him. Because I was good with his daughters. Because I was convenient and safe and right next door.
That was all it was. All it could ever be.
And that was fine. I’d learned a long time ago not to want things that weren’t meant for me.
“For what it’s worth,” Mia said quietly, breaking the silence, “I think you’re selling yourself short. And I think if Cam Rockford had half a brain in that gorgeous head of his, he’d see what I see when I look at you.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Mia?—”
“I’m just saying.” She linked her arm through mine again, pulling me close. “You’re worth more than you think you are, Em. I wish you could see that.”
I didn’t answer. Couldn’t answer. Just let her lead me back toward the office, her words echoing in my head.
You’re worth more than you think you are.
If only that were true.
