Page 60 of The Truth of Our Secrets

The thought takes me aback. I do trust Emmet. Even though I’ve been fighting it.

I trust him to care for her. Building our connection and knowing whatever happened in the past wasn’t his fault changes things.

That’s not entirely true. My imagination ran wild with accusations and so-called proof. My mind filled in the blanks based on what I’d been told about him. That he’s dangerous and violent. I’m relieved it’s not true.

He’s so young. We’re probably a fling. But his energy is contagious. Growing up, I had to be the man of the house at a young age. I can’t remember the last time I played a game other than hockey.

He makes goddamn cooking fun.

Madyson transformed our apartment so that it’s lived in and comfortable. But when he’s here, it comes alive. His presence changes the mood. His smell alone drives me crazy. He brings fun. And hope.

Feeling lighter than I have in forever, I lean in and join the kiss. They both smile as my tongue works its way between their lips. Emmet’s arm curls around my shoulder, pulling me closer.

Maybe it’s me who needs him more than he needs us. We can provide financial support, but Madyson said it best about my ability to trust. Trust is hard won and I don’t give it easily.

Emmet makes this effortless.

Like we’ve always been together.

Maybe that’s why I notice the emptiness in the apartment when he’s not here.

Too many maybes.

Chapter twenty-two

Emmet

I’m trying not to strangle the woman behind the desk, but it’s hard.

“So you’re telling me that if I use an electronic check, the processing time will be too long, I’ll be charged a late fee, and you won’t accept the cash in my hand as payment?”

“As I’ve explained, we don’t accept cash. If you use your credit card, you can avoid the late fee.”

“As I’ve explained, I don’t have a credit card. I have a debit card, which you’ve told me isn’t an acceptable form of payment. How am I supposed to pay this on time? I can’t afford the late fee!” My voice rises in panic.

“It’s not my problem.” She shrugs.

“Can I speak to a manager?” I inhale so I don’t hyperventilate.

“There isn’t a manager here this late. You should have come earlier.”

“I was at my job earlier, trying to earn the money to pay this bill,” I bellow. My panic has hit Defcon 1.

“If you don’t calm down, I’m going to have security escort you out.”

“Listen—” A large hand lands on my shoulder and I’m out of options. They’re going to throw me out of the hospital, won’t remove the late fee, and once again, my finances are fucked. I turn to plead my case to…Jayce.

My spiraling mind finally spins out of control. “What are you doing here? Is Madyson okay? Where is she? What happened?”

“Hey.” His hands cup my shoulders. “Breathe. She’s fine. We’re fine. What’s going on with you? Why are you here?”

If the ground could swallow me up, that would be better than explaining this to Jayce. “I’m trying unsuccessfully to make a payment.”

“At the hospital?” he asks, clearly confused.

“Yes, this is the billing department.” I wave my hand, and he looks around.

“People pay their bills here?”

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