Page 39 of The Rules We Broke
“I wanted you towaita few days before throwing yourself into Amber Capshaw’s arms. Did you break up with me and drive straight to her?” I snapped, ten years’ worth of pain unleashed.
He flinched. “What about Nathan Nichols?”
“Who is Nathan Nichols?” I asked, honestly baffled.
“The guy you met in Huntsville. At your debate tournament. The one you were seeing behind my back.”
I shook my head. “Brady Jackson, who told you that?”
He opened his mouth to answer, but I cut him off and opened the door, pushing him out.
“Better yet, how could youbelievethat about me? I’ve never even heard of a Nathan Nichols.”
The heartbreak sharpened in my throat.
“You didn’t know me at all. And you sure as heck didn’t love me the way I loved you.”
And before he could speak, I slammed the door in his stunned face.
Chapter Six
AssoonasIheard him drive off, I grabbed my keys. I didn’t care that it was late. I was going to the hospital. Aunt Lu was having her procedure. I was going back to Atlanta. Back to being Elle. Back to where no one cared that my last name was Eaton.
And most importantly—I was getting away from Brady Jackson.
But when I stepped outside, I realized my car was still parked at the dang bank.
Damn that Brady Jackson.
I went back inside, swapped my shoes for something comfortable, grabbed an old jacket, and started walking.
It was a couple of miles. I didn’t care. I needed the air. I needed the distance.
And I didn’t have anyone to call in this town except Doris—and I wasn’t about to bother her.
I’d cut off every tie except Aunt Lu. Maybe that hadn’t been the smartest choice.
With each step, my anger grew louder.
How could he accuse me of cheating? I could guess who told him—but how could he believe her?
It was high school. A lifetime ago. It shouldn’t matter after all this time. But Aunt Lu was right. I never really got over him.
I could still see him in those hallways—walking hand-in-hand with Amber Capshaw like I’d never existed.
I did get my revenge. Well . . . sort of.
The last semester was brutal. The Eaton-Jackson feud was at full tilt. I could’ve graduated early, but I stayed—fought to be valedictorian.
When prom came and I was nominated for queen alongside Amber and another girl on Team Jackson, everyone expected me to bow out.
Even Aunt Lu. She reminded me daily about rule two.
But I never told her my plan. I only promised I wouldn’t bring home the crown.
Aunt Lu took me to Atlanta. We bought the most stunning dress I’d ever worn—cream silk, floor length, gold beading across an empire waist. It made me feel like a queen.
I went without a date. I had no intention of staying long.
