Page 55 of Isabelle & Jason
“I think we need to talk,” he said.
The twisting and turning in her stomach worsened. She shook her head vehemently. “I don’t?—”
“Isabelle,” he said firmly, both of his hands holding tighter to her own. “I’ve tried to listen to your requests and let you figure things out on your own, but it’s not working.”
“What?” she barely whispered. “What do you mean?” Her throat felt dry, and her legs trembled beneath her weight. “If you’re trying to break up with me?—”
He frowned, and if she wasn’t mistaken, he looked sick himself. “What? No. That’s not what I’m saying.”
The relief that washed over her was short-lived, leaving her feeling cold and scrambling when he clarified what he’d been meaning to say.
“You need help,” he continued as he gave her hands a squeeze.
White hot fury flooded her being, replacing the cold as she connected the dots. “Help? This again? Jeez, Jason.” She yanked her hands away from him and stumbled back a step, then another. “No. I don’t need that kind of help. I’m not crazy.”
“I never said you were,” he said with exasperation. “For the love of all that is holy, I don’t understand why you’re so against this. All kinds of people need help. It’s not a bad thing. No one is going to think less of you?—”
“That’s not the point!” she all but shrieked. “The point is that I don’tneedit.” A strangled laugh burst from her lips. She shoved her hands into her hair and tugged slightly before turning her fiery gaze on him. Betrayal. That was what this emotion was. How many times did she have to tell this man thatshe didn’t want that kind of interference in her life? “Why can’t you accept my wishes? Why can’t you support me the way a boyfriend is supposed to?”
He stepped toward her, his own anger tangible. “Because you’re wasting away.” He gestured at her. “You’re losing weight. You’re not sleeping. Can you honestly tell me that you’re not having nightmares anymore? Do you do anything that brings you joy?”
She stiffened. It wasn’t that bad. He was lying.
But then, what reason would he have for doing that?
None.
Without thinking, she wrapped her arms around herself and shook her head. “I’m fine.”
“You’re not.” This time, his words were gentle. “You’re barely surviving. Everyone can tell. I know you don’t want to admit it, but even your family can tell something is going on. Nikki asks about you. Marcus?—”
Her head snapped up. “Youtoldthem?”
“Of course not. But they can tell you’re struggling. We’re worried about you.” He took another step toward her, and she held up a hand.
“Don’t,” she growled. “I don’t want your comfort if it’s gonna come withconditions.” She practically spat out the last word.
He stopped his approach and waited.
For what, she wasn’t sure. Isabelle wasn’t going to go back on her decision. “Is that all?” She risked looking into his eyes. “Are we done?”
Jason snorted. “Hardly. Whether you like it or not, you’re heading down a dangerous path.” He closed the distance between them too swiftly for her to argue with him to stop this time. He gripped her upper arms with firm, but gentle hands. “I care about you too much to see you sabotage yourself. And if youcontinue getting worse, I can’t promise I won’t fill your family in on what you’re dealing with.”
She gasped. Without thinking, she lifted a hand and slapped him. She could have blamed her reaction on the sudden and swift ache of treachery that came from his confession. Or she could have blamed it on her exhaustion. She wasn’t thinking straight; that much was clear. And when Jason released her like she was fire itself, guilt immediately put out the flames.
He held a hand to his cheek. She hadn’t hit him hard enough to flush his skin, but the contact had shocked them both. Jason blinked at her, pain swimming in his eyes. He shook his head, blew out a heavy breath, then pushed past her and headed for his truck.
Isabelle spun around. “Jason!” But he didn’t turn back. She contemplated chasing after him, but something told her that wouldn’t go over very well. Instead, she wrapped her arms around herself and stumbled back against the brick building they’d been standing beside.
The door to the restaurant opened and a couple left the building hand in hand. The smell of barbeque made Isabelle’s stomach churn, but she couldn’t stand being out here on the street alone. Already people had given her some strange glances.
She glanced toward the restaurant once more. There was a bar inside. She hadn’t had a drop of alcohol since that night. The thought had terrified her.
Until now.
Isabelle was hurting the people she cared about most. And all she wanted was to forget. She squeezed her eyes shut as tight as she could, but she couldn’t rid herself of the memories of the way Charlie and Jason looked at her. Nor could she forget Dillan and the intent he’d had that night.
Sleep didn’t offer an escape.
