Page 21 of Wicked Ruin

I read that one so many times, the screen times out.

Do you ever think about what it would have been like. If things were different?

Declan

Don't.

I know, I know, ugh, I get all philosophical sometimes when I’m drunk

Declan

Are you safe? Home?

Yes and yes. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have messaged

Declan

Don't apologize

What am I allowed to do?

Declan

Go to sleep.

There's someone from work who keeps asking me to dinner. Thought you should know since you apparently know everything.

Five minutes pass.

Declan

And?

And nothing. Just telling you.

Declan

Have a good time.

He went quiet for three days after that. When he came back, he didn't mention it, and neither did I. The guy stopped asking shortly after. I never found out why…

DECLAN

Bridget

soooo a friend asked me on a double date

You and a girl? I approve

Bridget

Ha! No. A guy she likes and his best friend

I clench my phone and, in thirty seconds, tally who I could call to find out who this fuck-wad is, run a background search, and threaten to stay the fuck away from her. I’m in a tiny apartment in downtown Boston, the bright city lights and honking cars just outside my window a vivid reminder that I’m not home, that I’m three thousand miles away from her, and that even if she was in trouble, I’d have to call someone to help her.

I need to go home.

But it’s not her fucking fault.