That’s nothing new.
“I blocked your number,” I mutter softly, trying to keep my cool, “because you were being unreasonable. And now you’re cornering me in the middle of the town and making a scene?”
“If you’d just listen…”
“I don’t want to listen!”
But does he respect my wishes? No, of course not.
“The last few days were rough, and I said some things that I shouldn’t have. But you have to understand, I’m under a lot of pressure right now. I thought you of all people would get that.”
“This isn’t about the last few days, Damien. It’s the last fewmonths. It’s you not listening and always blaming everything on me. Always judging me and demanding more and more andmore. Belittling me any chance you get when things don’t go your way.”
His cheeks flame with anger, but I’m done taking his bullshit.
“It’s clear that we’re not good for each other.”
“We’re good for each other, baby…”
He tries to reach for me, but I take a step back, lifting my hands in the air. I need to put some distance between us. “No.” I shake my head, taking another step away. “We’re not getting back together. It’s done, Damien. We’re done. Please don’t do this again.”
His eyes narrow, lips pressing into a stubborn line. Something shines in his eyes. Determination? Anger? I’m not quite sure. And in this moment, I don’t have it in me to care.
Spinning on the balls of my feet, I find a few people standing on the sidewalk, and even some from the nearby shops, watching the show.
My fingers clench into fists in annoyance. At him. At myself. At everyone who’s staring at us.
Sucking in a deep breath to calm myself, I check the road for any oncoming cars before crossing.
“I’m not giving up on us, Jessy!” Damien calls out after me.
He always has to have the last word.
At this point, I’m not even surprised.
He’ll give up soon, right?
I mean, how far can he push this? He doesn’t want me, not really. He just hates that I was the one to call it off.
Sliding into my SUV, I lock my doors and let my head fall back against the headrest as I close my eyes.
What a fucking mess.
CHAPTER SIX
MATTHEW
“All done. Fucking finally.”
I dust off my hands as I eye the bouncy house that’s taking up a good chunk of my sister’s backyard. It’s some kind of castle contraption she insisted on having for the party.
“Don’t cuss, there are children present,” Becky mutters and slaps me over the back of my head.
“Ouch!” I rub at the spot where she hit me. “Seriously, Becs? Is that the way to thank your brother for helping you out?”
Becky shifts Jackson higher in her arms. “Considering how long you’ve been avoiding us, you owe me much more than setting up one bouncy house.”
For a moment, a flash of guilt slams into me at her words. Logically, I know she’s teasing, but there is no changing the truth. I have been avoiding her. Avoiding this town. Avoiding facing the past.
