The accusation stings, but I'm too angry to care. “You're the one who walked away first. A week ago. I just didn't realize it until now, but you shut me out before I could even talk to you about it.”
We stare at each other, the air crackling with hurt and anger.
“You know what? We can probably finish the project separately from now on,” I say, each word carefully controlled. “You clearly can't trust me, and I'm done trying to prove myself.”
“Fine,” she says, chin lifted in defiance, but I can see the pain beneath it. “That's probably for the best.”
I shake my head. “We're like a fucking self-fulfilling prophecy.”
I run a hand through my hair, frustration pulsing through me. “Here I am, becoming exactly the guy you think I am. And there you are, proving everything I said about you keeping people at arm's length.”
Her eyes flash, but I see the flicker of recognition there too.
“Congratulations, Greer. You win.”
“This isn't about winning,” she says quietly.
“No," I agree. "It's about being right. And we both get to be right. Hooray for us.”
I turn to go, then pause at the door. “Bye, Delilah.”
I don't wait for her response. I just walk away.
37
DELILAH
I'm sitting on my bathroom floor when I finally break.
It's not like in the movies. No dramatic sobbing, no sliding down the wall in slow motion. Just me, hugging my knees to my chest, staring at the chipped tile while tears track silently down my face.
I've been here for an hour. Maybe two. Time feels slippery, unimportant. My phone sits on the edge of the sink.
I keep staring at Troy’s contact details, debating calling him. I pushed him away. He didn’t want to go but I pushed him. He might have stayed.
I got exactly what I thought I wanted.
So why does it feel like someone hollowed out my chest?
My fingers move before I can overthink it, sending a text to the only person I can think of who might come.
Are you free?
Three little dots appear instantly.
Lacey
Omg yes! What's up babe?
I stare at the screen. What do I even say?I think I ruined the only good thing in my life because I'm terrified of needing anyone?
Can you come over?
Lacey
Are you ok?
Not really
