Page 72 of Changing Rules

“What you’re doing is wrong,” Jess hisses. “Having Miller in his life again may be a little disorienting for Xander, and the situation with Bella’s stepfather was a challenge, I’m sure, but he loves her. Don’t expect him to be thanking you if she leaves him because of this.”

“Hewill be the one to dumpher, mark my words. I can guarantee he’ll leave her for Stacey.” Audrey’s voice pitches higher, piercing my ears.

Still steadying myself against the column, I risk a look at them. Jess sits with her arms crossed, her eyebrows pinched together, while Audrey is relaxed, her hands on her belly.

“Stacey is a genuinely nice person. She’s respectful, smart, and successful. She stands on her own two feet rather than playing the victim like Isabella always does. Alex loves to be the hero, her knight in shining armor. That’s all there is to it.”

Jess shakes her head. “Ugh. I feel dirty just hearing all this. How can you be so disrespectful to Bella? And to your brother?”Jess looks away, shuddering, and that’s when our eyes lock. Her mouth falls open, and all the color drains from her face.

I shake my head, silently pleading for her to keep quiet.

“You’re angry because I forbade you from crushing on my brother when we were younger.” Audrey waves her hand dismissively. “Just watch how Alex acts with Stacey. You’ll see what I mean.”

“I doubt it.” Jess continues to hold my gaze, her expression one of pity.

My hands go clammy, and a cold sweat breaks out at my hairline. Even so, I mouththank youbefore I turn on my heel and quietly head outside.

I need some fresh air.

Outside the restaurant, I find a bench that employees probably use for their breaks. Thankfully, it’s empty. I slump onto it, hiding my face in my hands.

I don’t want to cry anymore.

This ache in my heart makes it impossible to take a full breath. My lungs burn like I’m underwater. Words hurt so much more than physical pain. Always.

“Hey.”

I jolt upright, my breath catching as Jess approaches. The look on her face brings tears to my eyes. Her pity is even worse than Audrey’s hatred.

“Can I join you?”

“Hey. Yeah…it’s not like it’s my bench,” I mutter.

She chuckles. “Yours or not, it would be rude to sit beside you without asking.” She slowly lowers herself onto the bench beside me.

“Thanks.” I avert my gaze, wiping tears from my eyes.

“How much did you hear?”

“Enough. You were asking her about my family when I got there.”

“I’m so sorry, honestly. Audrey has always been a little crazy about Alex, way too overprotective. She’s jealous of you, and it’s making her totally brainless.” Jess leans back against the bench and tucks her red curls behind her ears. “She thinks if you two break up, she’ll get all his attention. It’s an illusion. If Alex ever loved that Stacey girl the way he loves you, Audrey would hate her too. She’s acting like a brat.”

“I know what she thinks of me. She’s made it pretty clear.” I shrug. “I’m sure she’ll be happy once I’m in New York. At least I won’t be around that much.”

And maybe all her scheming will pay off, and Xander will get back together?—

“New York?”

“Uh-huh. Remember when we talked about interior design school?”

Jess nods, the corner of her mouth creeping up.

“I got accepted to a program in New York. It starts in September.” I give her a small smile. “I’m still looking for an apartment, and I’m helping Ben find my replacement.” The pit in my stomach opens wider. I still have so much to do before I leave.

“I can help.” A smile lights up her face. “With finding an apartment.”

I frown at her. “How?” It’s too good to be true.

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