“She doesn’t know about that time, and if she found out, she would be beyond embarrassed. Don’t ever bring it up,” Nate threatens.
More embarrassed than four guys I’ve known for the majority of my life, staring at my ass? I think not.
They don’t elaborate further, and my anxiety begins to spike.
I need to know what they were talking about, but Nate sits back at his desk, dismissing them when he finally gets the computer to work again, sighing as he does.
“In all seriousness. What’s going on between you two?” Harrison asks him. “The way you were both acting at the BU gala, I thought you finally worked through the bullshit.”
We did…but then I went and screwed it all up because my mind is a mess.
“So did I. But she’s still holding back, and I hate it. I get it, but I hate it.” Nate scrubs down his face. “I’m leaving for London. If that’s not enough time for her to make a decision, I don’t know what I’ll do.”
London? Since when?
My heart picks up speed, and I lean against the wall to steady myself. I hate that my insecurities have put a gaping divide between us, so much so that he hasn’t told me he’s leaving again.
Why would he?The small voice in my head says.
And for how long? I rub my chest to dull the ache.
I don’t want him to leave.
“Is this all worth it? Is she worth it?” Seb asks. “Seems like a game you’d be tired of playing by now.”
A loud, audible gasp slips out, too loud, so I cover my mouth and run the other way so no one knows it was me.
A game? Is that what they all think? I’m fighting my demons, day in and day out, trying to rid myself of the constant thoughts holding me back, and they think this is a game to me?
You know what…fuck you, Seb.
Nate
I’m tired.
Tired of wondering, tired of waiting, tired of explaining, tired of life at the moment.
“Is this all worth it? Is she worth it?” Seb asks. “Seems like a game you’d be tired of playing by now.”
“This is Maddie we’re talking about, Seb.” It’s the only explanation I have at the moment.
He crosses his arms, his expression is as stoic as ever.
Harrison doesn’t look any happier.
“We love you. We love Maddie. But this isn’t fucking healthy,” Harrison finally speaks. “You’ve spent your whole adult life focused on one person, who doesn’t give you the same attention. It’s no way to live.”
“And you’re an expert on relationships suddenly? You strung Juliette along for months like she was worth nothing,” I spit, letting my anger get the best of me, even though I know his situation was complicated. I lean over, resting my arms on my knees. “Sorry.”
“It’s a low blow. I’ll let it slide since you’re hurting. However, if you ever bring that up again, there will be consequences.” His voice is deadly, and I don’t doubt him.
He’s fiercely protective over anything regarding his wife.
My calendar pings with an alert, so I focus my attention on that and not on how much of a dick I’m being.
“Shit.”
“What’s up?” Leo asks, finally getting up from the floor, and squishes his body between Harrison and Seb, annoying them both.
