It can’t be right. Maybe one of his friends uploaded the photo, and it’s not really him. Or maybe?—
Maybe what? His post was as clear as day, and he thinks he can keep messaging me as if it didn’t happen? As if I won’t discover that I’m the other woman when he knows I fucking follow him online.
Sabrina rolls her eyes, shaking her head as she types something on her phone without looking. “He’s been seeing someone for months, but he refuses to tell anyone who it is.”
Months?Oh, God.
I’m going to be sick.
She sets the phone down. “Apparently, he told Mitch about it, but according to Mitch, the bro code is sacred or whatever, and it’s more important than letting hisgirlfriendin on the gossip related toher own brother. I mean, since when do guys tell their friends before their sister? Frankly, I’m shocked Leo even told anyone.”
I’ve never met Sabrina’s boyfriend. All I know is that Mitchell’s obsessed with her and has been Leo’s best friend since second grade. His parents are divorced; his dad cheated on his mom with his assistant. His aunt spends half the year in Hawaii, his third cousin owns a big construction company in Richmond, and his younger brother has a podcast about crypto.
You can find out almost anything about a person with a little bit of grit and determination.
Is Sabrina aware that I know her boyfriend’s family tree? No.
But what type of person would I be if I didn’t try to get to know Leo’s friends?
Leo, the man who might have been playing me this whole time.
Karma is a bitter bitch.
“Really?” I set my cup down. The nausea is setting in. “He told you nothing about her?”
Sabrina checks her phone with an irritated frown.
“Nope. Just that they talk all the time, and they’re super serious and blah, blah, blah. I managed to get Mitch to admit that she’s some kind of creative, though. My guess is an artist or something along those lines... Oh, and Mitch said, and I quote, ‘They’re just as batshit as each other.’ Which is concerning, but godspeed to anyone who ends up with Leo. I love him, and he has a lot of patience for all of my shit. But if he weren’t my brother, I’d be scared of him.”
My nails dig into my palms hard enough to break skin. Every time she’s spoken about Leo, it’s only ever been about her plans that week, like they’re meeting up for dinner, or she’s going to a game or whatever. She’s never given me tangible inside information before.
I should say something in response, but the words are lost on me. She doesn’t notice the red blotches blooming over my face, or that my eyes are burning. She doesn’t realize that I’m fucking obsessed with her brother and my heart is shattering right in front of her, and I have no idea how to cope.
Not only is Leo cheating on me with his new girlfriend, but they’regoodtogether. Have been for months. Two peas in a fucking pod. What am I doing with my life?
“It’s the lack of emotions on his face,” I agree. I’m not even sure if that’s an appropriate response to what she said, but it’s the only thing I can conjure.
But maybe this is a misunderstanding. Maybe... maybe—God, I’m desperate—he was talking about me? I’m considered acreative, right? I told Leo I’m a freelance editor, which is sort of creative if I twist it enough.
And maybe the picture he posted was of a... stock photo.
I clamp down on the inside of my cheek. I’m grasping at straws here. I should be embarrassed of myself, yet here I am, leaning into my delusions that something black and white might be gray.
Sabrina huffs. “He’s one bad day away from a murder charge.”
What? My Leo? No way. She’s just saying that.
He’s got that angry energy around him, but he’s been nothing but a sweetheart—in the same way a Rottweiler is still a gentle baby.
Wait. He’s notmyLeo. He’s someone else’s Leo.
“It’s hard to look him in the eyes sometimes. You’ll see soon.”
I’ll see?Soon?
“I wish I could say not to take it personally if he looks like he hates you, because he probably does,” Sabrina continues.
Hold on. What is she talking about? Why does he hate me? Do they know who I really am? Panic thrums through me as I shift in my seat.
