The way they had each other’s backs.
That kind of bond?
It’s not easy to question.
Not easy to break.
So yeah.
Of course he listened to him.
My jaw tightens.
“But did you have to believe him over me?” I mouth, no volume to my voice for him to hear.
Because that’s the question that won’t go away.
That’s the one that keeps circling, over and over, like a wound that never fully healed.
I exhale slowly, pressing my forehead against the cool glass.
What about us?
All our plans? Our promises? Our vows?
But I guess I ran too.
I go even quieter still.
Because I did. I ran.
Like a goddamn coward.
I didn’t stay.
I didn’t fight.
I didn’t demand answers or force the truth out into the open.
I left. Just packed up what little I had left and disappeared like I was guilty. Like I actually had something to hide.
God, Esme, what did you do?
I whisper the answer to myself, closing my eyes.
“I ran.”
“What’s that?” Benji asks, but doesn’t look over since he’s busy, driving the truck.
“Oh, nothing,” I reply and shake my head, playing it off.
Because the past is done. And now?
Now I’m here.
With him. In this truck. Hiding out from a stalker. On my way to meet the one man he hates more than anything else in this world.
Because this is my life now.
