Page 40 of Embers in the Dark

I give them a small smile, hoping it’s believable. I look down at my phone and realize my next class is about to start.

“I’d better get going. Cunningham is not a fan if we walk in even a minute late. I swear she’s got hawk eyes, even with that lecture hall being so big,” I tell them, grabbing my bag.

“Oh, I know. I had her last year. I’ll walk with you. I’m headed that way,” Jada says.

“Awesome. I’ll see you two later,” I say to Sydney and Jacob. “Text me when you’re headed over.” I jut my chin to Jacob.

“No problem,” he says as he takes a bite of his apple.

Hopefully, Tucker isn’t home when I’m headed out and I can avoid the awkwardness. I honestly don’t want to deal with him after I word-vomited and he didn’t even say a word back to me. Standing there, opening and closing his mouth like a fish was enough.Humiliatingis what it was.

I thought I was in the clear for the night, but I can hear Tucker moving around in the living room as I’m finishing getting ready right now. I just got a text from Jacob telling me he’s on his way and I’m nowhere near ready. Fucking damn it!

I took too long figuring out what to wear tonight, but I didn’t have my girlfriends here to help me out. I caved and FaceTimed my old roommates for help. Mandy was the only one home and she helped me go through outfits. After what felt like fifteen options, we finally found one that looked right for a house party.

We settled on a tight dark-purple dress, sheer black tights, black combat boots, and a gauzy crisscross long-sleeve black top. I did a smokey eye for my makeup and I step back, looking at myself in the reflection. I do a few turns and it’s the first time since the attack—actually, since dating Myles—that I feel like the Baylee Rios I once was. I feel like the empowered woman who took charge of what I wanted.

I’m excited about tonight, which is a huge step for me. Dr. Nuys was right, I needed this connection with friends, and I think tonight will be good for me. I haven’t been to a party, as a single woman, in quite some time. For months I’ve had avoice in my head, telling me I wasn’t enough, because that’s what Myles kept enforcing. I’ve had a man talking down to me, telling me I was inferior for so many reasons, making me believe all his horrible words.

After months with Myles, I adapted in the worst way for him. Little by little, he peeled away the best parts that made me who I am. He then formed me into a version of myself that became raw, hurting and constantly vulnerable. He knew exactly what he was doing while I was oblivious to his monstrous ways.

He may have knocked me down that night in my apartment, but when he showed me the ugliest side of him, I also proved that I can pick myself up. And little by little, I know that strong version of me is still inside this body of mine. I just need more time to get back to who I once was. And I will come back stronger. I just need to be patient with myself.

There’s a ping from my phone and I look down to see that Jacob is stuck in traffic. I blow out a breath of relief. I’ll use the extra time to add a little more to my makeup and avoid Tucker. Once Jacob texts me he’s downstairs, I’ll run out and my night will be drama-free. At least I can avoid Tucker altogether and have a little fun with my friends.

CHAPTER 14

Tucker

I’mout here waiting for Baylee to come out of her room and she’s in there like a fucking hermit. Why won’t she come out here? I even made extra food so she could have some. I know I fucked up, but she can’t avoid me forever, right?

My anxiety causes me to flip between channels until I finally settle on a game to keep my mind busy. I was an absolute ass last night and failed on every level to communicate how I felt. I just need her to give me a shot to tell her what’s going through my head right now.

Despite loving my favorite baseball team, I can’t keep my focus on the screen. The Gaels are up by two runs, but I rub my hand down my face in frustration, because nothing matters right now except Baylee. I just want to see her and talk to her about everything she said. I waited for her after my run today, but then I got a call from my mom, so I was gone for a few hours unexpectedly. When I got back, Baylee was holed up in her room and she hasn’t come out since.

Nothing is working out the way I wanted, but here I am, trying to make things right. I groan in frustration. This is my fault, but at the same time, she’s not making it easier either.Right when I’m about to get up and go to check on her, there’s a knock on the front door.

I toss the remote aside and head to the door. Looking through the peephole, I see a guy I don’t recognize.

“Can I help you?” I ask through the door.

“Hi. Um, I’m here for Baylee,” he says hesitantly. I know this isn’t Myles as I would recognize him from the photos on social media.

I open the door and find a tall young man standing before me.

“Yes?” I cross my arms across my chest, standing at my full height, blocking the doorway. I can’t help the protectiveness. I’ve got a few inches on this guy.

“Hey, boss. I’m Jacob. I’m here to pick up Baylee.” He looks up at me.

Boss? Who does this guy think he is?

“Okay. Is she expecting you?” I still haven’t let him in.

“Yes, we’re headed to a party,” he answers.

“Oh really?”

“Tucker, stop it!” She comes up behind me, pulling me aside. “Jacob, excuse him. He’s ridiculous.” She smiles at him, then looks over at me and glares. “Tucker, I’m headed out. Don’t wait up.”

---