“We’re headed out for lunch, want to come?”Sarah asks from my doorway as I unpack.
“No, I’m going to get sorted here, and then I have some things to do.See you guys later.”
After they leave, I wander around the house, pop my nose outside and check out the neighborhood—it’s a little on the dodgy side—and then head back in and call Naomi.
“Jessie, what the hell?”she cries.“Do you need me to come to LA?”
Yes.
“No.I’ll be okay.Jayden and Liam are here.I have met some new friends.Got a room with them.”
“I think you should come home.”
“Maybe.I’ll think about it,” I tell her.
“Love you, babe,” she says, and I can hear the tears in her voice.“I’m so sorry this happened to you.”
I should have stayed in Texas.I should have told Mom and Naomi and got the help I needed.
Then I never would have been with Liam.
Yeah, but then I wouldn’t have potentially destroyed their friendship.Or mine with them.
When I hang up there’s an urgent call from Mom.
Goddamn you, Jayden.
I know he’s told her.
“Jessie, my god.Are you all right?”she cries.
“Put it on speaker, Patricia.”I hear Dad demand.
Great.
“What’s going on?”I ask, hoping I’m wrong.
“Your brother phoned us,” Dad says, sounding disappointed in me.
I tuck my legs up to my chest and wish Liam were here.Doing this alone is so much harder.
“Darling?”Mom says.
“He had no right to do that!”I feel anger simmering inside me.“I’m fine.I am staying in LA and will work this out on my own.”
Dad starts going on, but Mom talks over him.“You don’t need to do it on your own, sweetheart.Come home.We can support you as you heal.”
So, theydoknow.
“There’s nothing you can do.I need to work this out.On my own.Without you.Without Jayden.Without...”
Liam.
“Your brother said something about Liam.I can’t believe it; he’s been like a brother to you.Did he take advantage of you?”
I lean my head back against the sofa and sigh.
“She’s been in love with him since she was five.Don’t be stupid, Donald,” Mom snaps at him.
