“No, chicken nuggets and Pop-Tarts sound amazing," I say, brushing away my tears.
I look up at him and see the concern on his face. He reaches out gently, trailing his fingertips over my temple, through my hair.
“Youare amazing,” I tell him. His gaze softens. “I think it sounds like a great idea. I’d like to celebrate with you.”
Maybe I’d like one last chance to love Sloane Pierce before I tell him the truth. Before I lose him.
But if losing him is the only way to protect him… then I’ll give it all up if that is what it takes to keep him safe.
“Alright, if you change your mind—”
My watch glints in the light, the LED blue light catching. I nod.
“I know. Ericson’s waiting," I say as I sling my backpack over my shoulder and head for the door, unlocking it.
When I get to his office, I am alone. I pull out my phone and shoot Robbie a text.
Can’t. Working late tonight.
It takes a moment before he answers.
Missy
You blowing me off, Oliver?
I bite my lip nervously. Maybe it’s better this way.
I can’t do this anymore.
I won’t be a part of this anymore.
The texts flood in faster than a hurricane.
Missy
WTF what do you mean you can’t do this anymore?
Are you talking about the party or us?
My eyes fill with tears as my stomach twists in knots. I feel like I can’t breathe. It takes more courage than it should to type one word.
Because I know that one word is my step towards making things right.
This is my choice.
Both.
Missy
The fuck you mean both? Do you not remember who the fuck owns you, Oliver? News flash it’s not that fucking piece of shit thief.
Did you fuck him?
My insides fill with rage as the texts keep coming. Tears fill my eyes as Robbie texts me a litany of insults. Calling me awful names and saying horrible things. I can’t take it anymore. I do the only thing I can think of and block him, just as the door opens and Sloane walks inside. I shove my phone in my pocket, the words in my throat stuck.
“Hey, sorry that took awhile, but good news is Ericson says Phantom should be ready by the gala, so we can unveil it there to both Global and the masses.”
I look at him with a renewed sense of courage. This might be the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I think if I have Sloane, at least for a little while, tonight, I can find a way to get through this.
