Page 26 of Golden Ruin

My eyes fall closed, listening as she breaks.

“This is so fucked up,” she sobs. “If you’re still in love with her, just fucking tell me, because nothing about this makes sense.”

“Are you… This has nothing to do with Lexi. This is about us.” My shoulders tense when stress ripples through them, down my back. “I mean… you have to feel it, too, right? That we held on too long? That we’re only getting further and further apart? Is this really what you want out of a relationship?”

“What I want is you, Sterling.”

Her words knock the wind out of me. Anger? Frustration? I braced myself for those emotions, but not this. Not her holding on.

And, right away, I’m aware of why that is.

Because I’ve already let go.

“I’ll have your things shipped to you by next week,” I say firmly. “Goodbye, Tiffany.”

I hang up because I know she never will. She’ll try to drag this out, but we’ve already done so much of that. This is the closest we’ll ever get to a clean break, and even if it takes her a while to understand, being apart is for the best.

And I think I’m starting to realize… maybe that was always true.

*

@QweenPandora

Where, oh where, has our #LostAngel gone?

After being seen leaving the hospital with her mother this morning, she’s seemingly in the wind. If anyone has clues as to where she’s hunkering down, I’m all ears.

With her parents?

In a hotel?

Some are even speculating that she may be holed up at #MrSilver’s not-so-humble abode. If that’s true, one can only wonder how #TheSubstitute feels about this little arrangement.

I’m not one to spread rumors, though, so I’ll hold off confirming until we have solid evidence.

But wherever you are, #LostAngel, just be aware… the entire city is looking for you.

Later, peeps :)

–P

CHAPTER EIGHT

Lexi

Note to self: fall asleep facing a jungle mural, wake up believing you’re a lion’s next meal.

Approximately two-point-five seconds later, my heart settles to normal speed, and I’ve finally got my bearings, remembering where I am.

Sterling’s house, Jax’s room, an unfamiliar yet comfortable bed that looks like an entire tree.

According to my phone, I’ve somehow slept past noon. Something I haven’t done since before becoming a mom. My eyes flit to Jax’s dresser next. His hairbrush is gone and so are the sneakers I left beside the door, which means he’s up and about and probably had help.

Sterling’s help.

“Shit.”

I glance down at my clothes.