Page 107 of Almost Always

That’s how Rafferty found her—a piece of bread hanging out of her mouth as she cried quietly while staring at the fluctuating numbers.

“What the fuck are you doing?”

She jumped off the scale, eyes wide as he stared at her. “Eating.”

“On the weighing scale?”

“I…uh…why are you home?”

“Seriously, Daisy, what the fuck is going on?”

She shook her head, backing away as he moved closer. His expression went from confused to furious to sad with every step she took further away from him.

He went still, fists clenched as he said, “It’s those fucking girls, right? They said something.”

“No! I…I’m just being careful.”

“Why?”

“None of your business!” His eyes widened at her volume and she sighed. “I’ve been putting on weight and it’s not a good look.”

“Are you kidding me?”

“You’re biased because you’re my best friend.”

He laughed, not a funny one but an angry one. “You’re fucking perfect, Daisy. I wish you wouldn’t listen to those airheads. They don’t even eat and spend all their time popping pills to look that way. It’s not healthy. Look at you, Hero. You’re beautiful.”

Tears sprung into her eyes and she shook her head. “I’m ugly.” The words came out softly and at first she thought he didn’t hear it. A low rumble echoed in the room before the weighing scale went flying under the bed. “Raff!”

“Say that again, Daisy. Tell me that you’re ugly one more time.”

“It doesn’t matter what you think.”

“Unbelievable. Those girls are jealous and while that’s no excuse to be assholes, you shouldn’t let their empty words hurt you. You’re better than this.”

“Nobody likes me,” she admitted softly, hugging herself as she stared at her toes.

“I like you, Hero. You’re my best friend.”

“Well, your girlfriend hates me.”

“What?” Daisy realized her mistake too late and when she looked up, Rafferty was staring at her. “Oh my god, this whole timeVivianwas the one?”

“You knew about the girls. Didn’t you know she was one of them?”

Dragging his hands through his hair, he shook his head. “I was supposed to protect you, Daisy. Instead, I…oh god.”

“You don’t have to protect me.”

“Ishouldhave, at least from Vivian. Fuck, I’m so sorry, Daisy.”

She shook her head, keeping the distance between them. “It’s…whatever. I’m fine.”

“You’re weighing yourself while eating. You’renotfine.”

“I will be fine. Just…go.” He frowned and took a step forward, but she backed away. “Please, Raff. I’m okay.”

He stopped and shoved his hands into his pockets, but she could tell that he didn’t believe her. However, he did mumble another apology and walked out of the room, leaving her alone with her rumbling stomach and aching heart.

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