Page 38 of Embers in the Dark

“I didn’t know you had a bike, man.” I wave a hand in its direction.

“It was in the shop and I just got it back.” His smile doubles in size as he looks down, moving his hand along the leather seat of his motorcycle.

“I seem to be learning quite a bit about you today.” I laugh.

“Yeah, I guess so. Have to enjoy it”—he gestures to the bike—“while I can. The winters here are a beast. I have the truck once the cold hits.”

He pulls his helmet over his head, then waves at me and hops on, starting the engine. Soon he pulls into traffic, and I watch him ride off. It seems Tyler Hunter is full of surprises.

The moment I’m back in my truck, my mind is consumed by thoughts of Baylee and the look on her face during her confession last night. I was such a prick. My silence was a cowardly move, but I wasn’t prepared to hear what she said. It’s no excuse though. I should’ve said something back.

Before, when these feelings started to creep in months ago, I let the excuse of my friendship with Rios be the reason for me not to cross the line. But I obviously walked away from anything with Rios being mended now. That’s no longer a possibility now that Baylee is living with me. He made that blatantly clear that night I told him to shove it when I told Baylee she could stay with me. I have no regrets with my decision. So why did I hold back last night?

I pull out of my spot and make my way back to the apartment. Maybe Baylee had a plan to pour her heart out to me last night and I was unprepared. But today I won’t stand in silence. I’ll finally pour everything out for her so she knows where I stand.

CHAPTER 13

Baylee

“In today’s session,it’s important to understand that what Myles did to you is not your fault,” Dr. Nuys explains.

“Yes, but—” I start.

“No, Baylee, there is no but to add to that. I need you to understand that what Myles did to you is simply not your fault. Period.” There’s finality to her statement.

“Okay,” I say.

“His behavior is his to own up to. Do you truly believe that?” she asks.

“Yes and no,” I answer honestly.

“Okay, explain that for me please,” she says.

“I understand that what he did was a choice he made. All the things he did to me leading up to that night, those were his fault. But on that night, I sort of pushed him and he physically hurt me because of that. I said things knowing it would get a reaction from him,” I admit.

Dr. Nuys looks at me and I can tell she’s processing what I just said to her.

“Baylee, I have met many in your position and you are not the first to say that to me. I understand what you just said and appreciate why you might feel that way. We all have pivotalmoments in life where we’re brought to these forks in the road, and we must make a decision.”

I look down at my lap, having a hard time seeing past the fact that I knew very well I was pushing Myles that night.

“The thing is, Baylee, what Myles did to you washischoice. He chose violence. He did not choose words. He chose to be physical. I understand that in your mind you believe it was your words that pushed him over the edge. But he could have easily had a conversation. Instead, he chose to respond with force. So no, it is not your fault. The fault still lies with him. You spoke to Myles and he did not respond with words, he used his fist.” She’s calm as she explains. I can’t help the tear that escapes down my cheek. I quickly swipe at my face.

“I’m sorry,” I tell her.

“I don’t want you to apologize. This is something that I expect you to feel emotional about. It’s something that will take time to process. It might take years for you to speak about it without feeling emotional,” she says.

“I feel like he took so much of me that night. Hell, I think he took so much of me for months leading up to that night,” I admit.

“Well, let’s talk about that then. What are things you liked doing before you started dating Myles?”

“Staying in with my roommates to watch movies. And I loved going out to parties with my friends,” I say with a distant smile on my face.

“Oh, well, that sounds about right for a woman your age. Why don’t you try going out this weekend? I bet you can find a party on campus to go to.” She smiles.

“I don’t know if I’m ready for that just yet,” I tell her quickly.

“Do you have some friends here in Boston you feel comfortable going out with?” she asks, concern etched on her face.

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