Page 54 of Love Me

“So sure about that?”

I storm away––tired of fighting, tired of giving in to the hurt, of the physical and emotional bruises we can’t stop inflicting on each other.

In my room, I find Bailey staring out the window. I knew I was right not to keep any of my stuff here. It’s like, at any given moment, one of them is in my space.

“Sorry, but you weren’t here, and I thought I’d wait. How are you?” she asks in a soft voice. She’s so damn genuine.

“You don’t have to worry about me.”

“I worry about both of you. All of us, to be honest.”

“Toughen up. That heart of yours will only bring you trouble.”

“I remember you telling me something different a few years ago.”

I flinch. Why does everyone keep reminding me of her? That girl is long gone.

“Learn from my mistake.”

“I don’t think love was to blame. It was the choices––”

“Well, it was his and that idiot dares to tell me…”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. Only Kaden can press my unhinged button with only a glance.

“You’re so strong and still so hurt.”

“Strength comes with survival. You’re not born strong; you become strong.”

“It was nice, the movie night.”

Something in me longed to be among them or make myself present, like a thorn in their perfect unity.

“I’m still waiting for Abigail to retaliate.”

“Why would she? He looked at ease, and we all want that for Kaden.”

“They’re together.”

“Oh, like you’re with Hunter?”

Her reply stuns me, leaving me speechless.

“Until you’re honest with yourself, then you can think whatever suits your plans.”

A smile tugs at my lips, proud of her. “I knew you had more in you.”

“Just because I don’t engage doesn’t mean I don’t know what happens around me.”

“Tell me.”

She’s not as easy to crack as I believed. Hunter has his hands full.

“I am not your enemy. None of us are. So please, whatever it is…”

Whatever she sees on my face, she adds, “Please stay away from each other at least until after Grandmother’s dinner.”

She leaves me to wallow in my thoughts. Looking out the window, I see Kaden’s car. Who do I want to punish more? Me or him with those stars on his car resembling a night sky?

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