Page 32 of Unpredictable

It’s been three weeks since Samhain, but the pain from that night still lingers. I push it away and go back to my school work. I’m ahead, but Sage doesn’t need to know that. If she did, she would try and get me to go out with them. Be more social.

Truth is, I don’t want to run intohim.

Logically, I know he’s an hour away, but my heart doesn’t accept that. Finally, my heart and mind are on the same page, and that page is hating Sterling Brooks.

We don’t really hate him though, they both remind me.

I know that, but it’s easier to hate him than to love him. The last time he showed up, he wasn’t supposed to either. He hates group events. He only did the Samhain festivities because he was required to in school, but once you’re in, you’re in for life. He didn’t have to come back for it, but he did. He did that to mess with me. He wants me, but doesn’t want to commit.

I might have been cool with that before, but never again. Add in his infidelity, or my perception of infidelity even though we weren’t together, and I know I can never go back there again. Unfortunately, I also know he’s my weakness. One smile from him and I know I will melt like butter on a beach in the Bahamas in the summer. That’s why I’ve quarantined myself to my home.

I’m still lost in my thoughts when Thomas comes to the door.

“Victoria, you have a guest at the door.”

My heart races as my mind wonders who it could be. Logically, I know I could ask Thomas, but the entire way down, I cling to the hope that it’s Sterling. At the same time, I dread the fact that it could be him.

How did you let him fuck with you so bad?

As I walk into the foyer, I’m surprised by who I find.

“Poppy?”

She turns to face me, blinding me with a brilliant smile.

“Hey. Sorry for dropping by. I wanted to talk to you, but you weren’t answering your phone.”

My phone. The thing I shoved between the mattress on silent two days ago under the guise that I didn’t want to be disturbed while preparing for my tests.

“I don’t mind you stopping by. Let’s head into the kitchen and get a drink.” I motion for her to follow me. Once I get us both a soda, we sit at the kitchen table. “So, not that I mind, but what brings you by?” My curiosity is getting the best of me.

She seems nervous, wringing her hands in her lap.

“I wanted to say sorry. I’ve been working up the nerve for weeks to come see you. I was a little handsy with you at Samhain. I didn’t mean to upset you or Sterling. I wanted to personally say sorry.”

My heart pings with pain at the mention ofhisname, but I brush it aside. “Oh, honey, it’s not a big deal at all.” I reach across the table and grab her hand. “I was into it. It was hot. I’m sorry if he was an asshole. His opinions don’t matter anymore anyway.”

She gives me a small smile. “Sorry to hear that.”

I shrug, feeling a little lighter by talking to her. “Tell me about that night. Did you have a good time?”

Exit interviews were conducted for the participants, but they had another member do them so the participants felt they could be honest.

“I did. Ryan was so good to me. I know it was his first time too, but it felt different. Not what I expected.”

“Good. I’m so happy for you.” I pull back my hand, realizing I’m still holding hers.

“Can I tell you a secret?” she blurts while staring at her hand.

“Of course. You can trust me.”

“I think I’m a lesbian.”

My eyes widen a fraction as I stare at her a moment. Then I remember I should respond. “You’re not sure?”

At my soft tone, she meets my eyes. “I don't want to freak you out.”

Her voice is so low, and almost ashamed, that it breaks my heart. I reach my hand back out and grab hers again. “I’m here if you want to talk. Anytime. No judgement. No freak-outs.”

---