“Whoa.Trouble in roommates-with-benefits paradise?” I tilt my head, giving her my best unimpressed look. “I’m sorry, but your agreement with Trey is ridiculous. You’re basically dating, and you never date anyone for longer than three months. You’re basically at the two-month mark now, so I’m sure you’re getting ready to push him away, but give the guy a chance, Jessie. You’ve gotten closer to him than any other man, there might be a reason for that. I think you’re good together.”
What the fuck is this? Get Jessie and Trey Together Day?
I drop my head into my hands and let out a frustrated groan. I hate that some of what Kacey said is right, but there are things she doesn’t know or understand. She might have lost her mom when she was young, but her dad is amazing and loves her. The town loves her, she has a job she loves, and a great partner in Knox now. Our lives areverydifferent.
“What do you mean I never see anyone longer than three months? What about Parker? We were together for at least four months.”
“I thought his name was Peter. Either way, it was not four months, it was exactly eleven weeks.”
“Hm, it felt longer. He got so clingy.” I full-body shudder.
“Admit it: You’re terrified of commitment and letting someone into your life. Truly letting them in. I know you, and you’re getting the itch to push Trey away, even though you ‘aren’t dating,’” she says with air quotes.
“We’re not dating. In fact, we just had that argument, and I came here to avoid him. He isn’t going to settle down with me when he can do better. He’s successful, kind, and ridiculously good looking. He’ll find someone beautiful, she’ll have a perfect family, no money problems, or a house that’s falling apart. That’s not me,” I finish, almost smug. I believe all of that.And he isn’t safe with the constant threat of my dad lurking around every corner, but I keep the last one to myself.
Her eyes flare. “You did not just say that.”
“What are you cooking?” I lean over the counter, looking at the pot on the stove.
“Jessie Hawkins, I should wash your mouth out with soap for talking like that. Trey would beluckyto be with a woman like you. There is absolutelynothingwrong with you. Youare kind, smart, stunningly beautiful, a damn hard worker, and you would do anything for the people you love. I know you struggle with insecurities, but I promise you, Trey doesn’t give a shit who your parents are. You are the prize, and he knows that. It’s time you realized it, too.”
“It doesn’t matter if he does or doesn’t. We are not together; this has an end date. End of story,” I bite out, sharper than intended. I’m just so sick of having this conversation. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you. I don’t want to argue about this. I just . . . Can we drop this, please?”
“Potato soup is on the stove.” She slams the ladle on the counter with authority. “Help yourself.”
We eat our soup in complete silence. No music, or TV. Hell, she didn’t even get crackers out. And who makes soup in the summertime? I get up and grab a bottle of water out of the fridge. “Knox riding tonight?”
“Yep.”
Okay, good chat.
She rests her spoon in her bowl, blowing out a deep breath. “Jessie, I love you. You are the sister I never had, and I hate sitting here, watching you year after year self-destruct because you can’t let yourself be happy. You are a fucking catch, and any man alive would be lucky to date you. If it’s not Trey, that’s fine, but you deserve to be happy.”
I half-smile, eyes watering. “I think I remember saying something very similar to a good friend of mine last year.”
“Yeah, well, it was good advice. You should take it.”
“I’ll think about it,” I lie. I wish I could—I really do—but with my father hiding in every shadow, I can’t risk letting Trey stay.
It’s late by the time I make it home. Trey’s bedroom door is closed, and no light leaks out from under it. I shower and fall into bed. The cold sheets send a chill through my body. I haven’t slept alone in weeks. I toss and turn for a handful of hours before heading back to the hospital in the morning. Kacey’s words run through my head, but I still can’t bring myself to believe her.
Chapter 32
Trey
Iclimb back in my truck at the auto parts store after picking up a filter and some oil so I can change it before I leave. Throwing my truck in drive, I pull around to the back side of the store so I can hit the side street that’s a straight shot to the gym.
As soon as I round the corner, I see Daryl and a young woman. She can’t be more than twenty, but—with ratty brown hair, hollow cheeks, and sunken eyes—she resembles a corpse more than a young woman. Daryl’s in jeans and a T-shirt with an unbuttoned flannel over it. I slow down but don’t stop as I watch Daryl take some cash from the woman, count it quickly, then hand her what I can only assume are drugs.
What a piece of work, this woman is sending herself to an early grave, and this man is helping her do it, one hit at a time. It’s disgusting. Just the sight of him reminds me how he treats his own flesh and blood. Jessie clearly doesn’t want anything to do with him. She’s terrified of him, that much I’ve gathered. Yet, Isee his name pop up on her phone, and he’s shown up at her house.
Before I fully think it through, I’m pulling over and getting out. The woman takes off, her unsteady gait sending a wave of sadness through me. She needs help, not a supplier. He’s ruining her life.
“Hey,” I call out to Daryl, getting his attention.
“Well, if it isn’t the famous bull rider. What brings you to this side of town?” His body language is relaxed; he doesn’t care that I saw that exchange. He’s trying to chat me up like we’re old friends.
“I’d ask you the same, but I saw you out here ruining lives.”
