Page 94 of Pretty Obsessed

“And he didn’t mind?” Pat asked.

“This is none of your business.” I was trying to keep River out of this, but every time I answered, it felt like I was giving more and more away, even if I didn’t say River, it felt implied, and I hated myself for it.

“I think it is my business when you wouldn’t even let me come to the cabin with you to spread your father’s ashes, but you’ll take a rockstar who doesn’t give a fuck about you.”

I tightened my jaw, refusing to engage with this anymore.

“You seriously can sit here and look me in the eyes and think it’s okay you took someone you just met up there but wouldn’t even let me support you?”

My dam broke. I couldn't hold it back any longer. "It's none of your fucking business who it is. Because while I was there scattering his ashes, you had your cock in someone else in our bed. So I would say nothing I fucking do is any of your business ever again."

“I can’t believe you’re really doing this.”

“You did this. You made choices and I had none. Take your stuff and go.”

“You’re really choosing to be used and discarded by this moron instead of overlooking my indiscretions.” He smoothed a hand down the front of his shirt. “You’re picking someone who doesn’t care about you and sleeps with everyone, over someone who does care about you, and has been here for you, through everything with your dad, because I made a mistake.”

“No, there isn’t any choice on my part, you chose to do what you did. You chose to lie to me. You chose to over and over and your choices have consequences. If I had a choice, I would have picked for you not to cheat on me.” As I said it, I didn’t feel the pain I’d felt a month ago. I wasn’t mad at him. I felt nothing for Pat. I wanted him out of my place, and I wanted to never see him again. But had he not done what he did, I would have never met River. “Please go.”

“You’re going to come running back when he tosses you out.”

“Don’t message me anymore.”

“You’ll be messaging me. I’m sure of it.” He took his box and left.

I sank into the sofa and answered River, figuring after all that he'd be asleep. He needed it.

Emory: I’m home.

My fingers found the wave tattoo on my arm. What if this is all I’d have to keep of River? It was still worth it. I’d made the right choice kicking Pat out. I blew out a breath and was about to get up to edit when my phone lit up with River’s photo. His smiling face in bed lit my screen. I’d taken it the last morning in Japan and he’d let me. Photo evidence we’d been in bed together. The joy in his eyes all for me and the trust it required. I shivered with the elation from it.

River: Everything okay? That took a long time.

Emory: I got home to my ex here.

River: Do you need to talk about it.

Emory: I don’t know. Maybe.

My phone started ringing in my hand.

“I got burned by expectations this morning,” I said as I answered.

“Huh?” His voice low and sultry.

“Iris?” I asked.

“You have me all confused.” He laughed and pain tightened in my chest. I missed him.

“Are you being quiet because Iris is there?”

“Yeah, he came in about an hour ago and fell asleep on your pillow like a puppy. He said he missed you. I’m a little worried you’re going to leave me for him.”

I laughed dropping my head back as I sank lower. “He’s cute, but not my type.”

“Not your type? And what is your type?”

“It's tall, dark, and most recently plays the drums.”

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