Page 56 of My Turn Petal
I’m not the only one, though. Thousands of people dealt with that when they were kids, I’m nothing special. But I think it’s affecting a person in a way even years later, just thinking about it, the unfairness, and the fact that I chose to step down and not go dancing anymore fortifies that.
I had to back down because when you try to reason with cruelty it’s pointless. Because it knows no limits. And it knows no logic. At least not in the mindset it currently resides in.
At some point, I had enough, I was done being their punching bag. If a war is the way to solve it, so be it.
I also had Jude who always stood by my corner and protected me even when it wasn’t needed.
I honestly didn’t need anyone else. Having one best friend is enough. Besides, I have a cousin I love to pieces, and every time she came here or I went to New York, we spent it together. Wrapped around each other like rubber bands.
Dylan was my girl’s time when I needed it like a breath of fresh air.
“I told my cousin about you since I felt like we’re in the same shoes and the guy she started dating not long ago, made a deal with her when they first met.”
“Your cousin…” He looks away, processing what I just said. “I thought you kept us a secret because Jude called me.”
My incredulous eyes widen while my brow rises higher. “Keep going.”
“I promised not to say anything.” His full lips turn into a thin line when he purses them.
“Too late,” I state.
He sighs, “He wanted to ask me if I can come with you to a concert, I don’t know what concert, but I just told him that you already invited me.”
“You did…” I contemplate to myself, thinking the next time I see Jude I’m going to kick him in the ass with my boot.
“I figured you didn’t tell him about us and I know how close you two are.”
“We are,” I nod while blinking to confirm, “But since he’s in a relationship, there are some things, I rather tell my cousin since she understands some things better than him.”
“Gotcha.” He confirms.
“Were you angry, thinking I kept you a secret from my best friend?”
He takes a deep breath, “Not angry just…disappointed.” Licking his lips, he continues, “I don’t know, I guess when you have a special moment with a person all you want to do is tell someone how excited you are about them. I don’t expect you to tell him all the details and I wouldn’t do it either but just telling him that you enjoy spending your time with me is nice.”
His genuine confession slowly draws a bright smile and takes his whole face hostage.
So I ask, “Are you having fun with me?”
“I am.” He tucks his hands around me.
“Would you like to continue this arrangement with me?”
With no hesitation, he answers, “Absolutely.”
“Then… I’m in.”
“For how long?”
“Only time will tell.”
“That’s what you should tell yourself, petal, with time you will heal.” He does that thing again, brushing our lips without actually kissing me. “You gotta stop doing that.”
“Doing what?” I reply in confusion.
“Making your adorable faces that make me want to kiss you.”
The only thing I want to do is kisshim, yet I don’t. I just stare at him, completely taken by how gorgeous, hot as fuck, and dirty this man is. And how well he kept that last part from me. Now, I want to uncover what else he hides that will make me a hot mess.
