Page 90 of How to Get Revenge on a Cheating Ex
“He’s making you out to be the bad guy.”
He doesn’t deny it, and he doesn’t look surprised either.
“So?” He shrugs. “I don’t care.”
“Liar.” I mimic his tone from earlier.
One corner of his mouth hitches up in a crooked smile that makes my belly dip.
“I care,” I say. “Grayson’s making me out to be some pathetic, spineless idiot who didn’t stand a chance when a player like you came along.”
Zack doesn’t deny that either. “Anyone who believes that is a dumbass.”
I give a huff of amusement. He makes it sound so simple. So easy to disregard what people say.
“And Grayson...” I shake my head. “He’s acting like he’s the injured one here. I’ve heard what people are saying. They feel sorry for him. Zack, theyfeel sorry for him.” I repeat it louder, like maybe he didn’t get it the first time.
He gives me another small smile. “Again. Anyone who believes his pathetic acting isn’t worth our time.”
I can’t deny that. Every time I see Grayson in passing at work or with his buddies in the break room, I wonder how on earth I fell for that act for so long. It’s so obvious now. Still…
“Do you know Jessica and her friends stopped me on my way out the other day to plead his case?”
Zack doesn’t respond, but I see him stiffen. I watch a muscle in his jaw clench tight.
“Apparently, he’s fooled everyone into thinking he’s racked with guilt for cheating on me. He’s making all sorts of excuses and telling everyone how I deserve better?—”
“You do,” Zack interrupts. “Youdodeserve better.”
“Of course, I do. Buthimsaying that has made everyone think he deserves a second chance.”
Zack shrugs. “So?” His eyes get hard, and I feel a slither of wariness.
This is why I didn’t want to talk about it. This is why I didn’t want to have this conversation. Every time we talk about Grayson, I feel him pull away. Every time we talk about the reality of what we’re doing and why, he shuts me out.
“He’s making you out to be the bad guy here, Zack, and I can’t stand it.” I pull back far enough that I can cross my arms, and he lets me go. “I won’t let it slide. The more we hide out and act like we’re ashamed that we’re together, the more people buy his sob story.”
“And?” Zack’s voice is hard.
I throw my hands up. “And I’m tired of watching you be cast as the villain.”
“You already said that.” His voice is too mild and it sets me on edge.
“No one forced me to be with you. And you didn’t coerce me, or seduce me, or—” I take a deep breath and stand a little taller. “I wasn’t some helpless victim, Zack.”
He frowns. “Of course you weren’t.”
“Ichose to cheat on Grayson.Ichose to be with you instead.”
I pause and hold my breath. I half expect him to remind me that we’re not really together. That it doesn’t matter what anyone thinks because none of this is real.
But he doesn’t remind me, and I let out a relieved breath.
“I just don’t know what you think going to this party is going to prove,” he says.
I bite my lip because...I’m not totally sure either. But I’m tired of hiding and I can’t just sit back and let Zack take the heat for my decisions.
He’s watching me so closely that I hesitate, choosing my next words carefully. “I want to show them that I’m happy.”
