THE REBUILDING
8
THE WAY WE COPE
CARTER
Watching my strong, beautiful woman—watching her cry because of what I had stupidly done, was one of the worst moments of my adult life to date.
I didn’t mean for anything to happen. Everything was fine. I had it all under control until Tay was - we were - suddenly crossing lines I didn’t want to cross.
I hear my phone vibrate across the room and dive on it like a man starved. I’m hungry for the sound of Becky’s voice. I check the screen and my shoulders tense up.
Tay ;) Calling.
I ignore it.
Another notification pops up.
Tay ;) 4 missed calls.
I check the time and see it’s 9:00 in the fucking morning. She called three times last night, and again already this morning.
My biggest mistake is calling again, and she’s not letting me even pretend to forget the mess I’ve made.
I lay back down in my bed and stare at the ceiling.I need a plan.Another shuddering blast of pain moves through me. I feel empty. Shattered. Broken.
I deserve it.
My phone vibrates in my hand, and I debate not even looking. The .0001% chance it’s Becks makes me look.
AH Paul Calling.
Damn, not even close.I hitacceptanyway. Anything to get my mind off my current personal problems. Even Asshole Paul. “Yeah,” I croak out.
“Carter, I need you to talk to your girl, Taylor. She’s apparently stuck somewhere and is clogging the fucking business line trying to get ahold of you.”
“She’s not my–”
“Deal with it, Carter. Keep your personal shit away from my business or I’ll do it for you.”Click
Yup, a fucking asshole.
I scroll to her name and hitcall. I don’t even know how to play this.
You know what, if she doesn’t bring it up, neither will I. Fuck, I hope she doesn’t say anything.
“Hey Sweets!” She answers the phone sounding so fucking happy. My stomach rolls with the sickeningly sweet sound.
“Taylor–”
“Oh my gosh, Carter, I told you to call me Tay. Only strangers call me Taylor.”
Why does calling her that now feel like a betrayal?
“What do you need?” I’m already looking at the floor for my shoes. I need to get out of here. Away from this room—from this call.
“Sweetheart, you sound like you’re having a rough morning. Why don’t you come by for some yummy breakfast.”
