Page 18 of Words We Didn't Say

Oh well, Zach could enjoy the awkward conversation with the old dame in Apartment 14C explaining why his undies were now draped all over her potted lavender.

Andie watched my act of revenge with one eyebrow up. “Wanna explain what’s going on?”

“I’m leaving.”

“I can see that.”

My hands propped on my hips, I paused in the middle of the room, planning my next move. “Did you get here on the Triumph?” The ancient motorcycle Andie was restoring wouldn’t cut it for this trip.

“Nah, I had a feeling I might need the Pajero.”

“Please tell me you’re joking.”

“Little Miss Choosy, who prefers not to own a car, can call a taxi if she likes.”

Unamused, I glared at her through slitted eyes.

Andie raised her palms. “The rusty old beast might not look like much—”

“It has the fuel consumption of a small country!”

“It’ll haul all your shit to my place, though, no problemo.”

“Fine,” I huffed, “but I’m planting a tree to apologise to the environment when this is over.”

Snagging an empty duffel off the bed, I headed back to the closet. Andie shuffled close behind me.

“So…” she said.

“So?”

“What did the suit do? Weren’t you going to surprise him with dinner from the Spanish place all the hipsters drool over?”

How long had Yvette waited before blabbing my stupid plan to Andie? Two minutes? “I went.” I crammed a fistful of bras into the duffel.

“And…?”

I sighed. “I schemed my little booty off to get inside the building and talked myself off a cliff to sneak to his office. Too bad I was beaten to him by some blonde with a balayage so bad it should be criminal.”

Andie’s mouth dropped open. “He’s screwing around?” She bit out the words in complete disbelief. She wasn’t at the top of Zach’s fangirl list, but she hadn’t pinned him as a cheater. “That fucking bastard isdead. After everything you’ve done to support him! All the times he blew you off and didn’t put you first. No fucking way.”

“All the fucking ways.”

“What did he say when you confronted him? Tell me you chopped his dick off.”

Shaking my head, I sagged against the wall. “I just—I kinda—freaked out.” I sighed. “I bolted like a pathetic coward.”

“No way, Ed. He’s the coward.”

I stood there, a blank stare settling on the floor. I fought to smother the memories, but it was as helpful as throwing a cup of water on a forest fire.If this is about the other night.The words echoed in a dark whisper at the back of my mind.That’s no one.I folded over, braced my hands on my knees, and forced down a slow breath.

Andie cursed under her breath. “Do you need a—?” Her arms opened wide like she was ready to comfort me with all the hugs I needed.

I raised my hand to stop her. “No hugs. Hit me with all your tough love, but I’ll be a basket case if you get your arms around me. I refuse to collapse in a heap in this apartment. I won’t give him the satisfaction.”

Andie’s chin dropped in a quick nod. “Tell me what you need me to do.”

“I need to get the hell out of here.”

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