Page 124 of Ecstasy
“Zara.”
Kylie’s voice shatters my invincibility. I come to a stop, halfway to my room. It’s completely dark in the apartment, just the lights from the microwave and the time on the stove glowing green.
I turn my head in the direction of her voice, make out a shadow on the couch.
Fuck. I thought she was gone for the weekend. For the week, actually, because fall break starts Monday.
“Kylie, what are you—”
“Alex called me.”
My stomach churns, my high dropping. I think about Eli. He wasn’t lying. He wasn’t fucking lying about that. “Why the fuck—”
“He told me where you’ve been. He wanted me to make sure you were okay.”
How does he fucking know?
And then I think about Jax asking for my phone.
That mother fucker. They’ve all betrayed me.
Kylie clears her throat and I see her stand to her feet. “Zara, I think you need some help.”
I drop my keys to the floor with a clatter and turn to face her fully. In the dark, it’s easier to tell her exactly what I think about Alex fucking Cardi and her in my business. And her as a person, while I’m at it. If she isn’t going to be on my side, then fuck her. I thought we were friends.
“Alex and I aren’t together. I’m not his problem, and what I do isn’t his business anymore.” I take a step toward her. “Or yours, Kylie.”
Silence.
I think I can hear her breathing. Or maybe that’s me, I don’t know.
And then she flicks on the light in the living room and I stumble back, shielding my eyes. Fuck, that’s bright.
I blink a few times, lower my arm. Kylie has mascara streaked down her cheeks, a tissue balled up in her hand. I didn’t even know she wore mascara. I have no idea why the fuck she’s crying.
She’s wearing fuzzy long pants and a hot pink t-shirt, which is so unlike her usual sensible, matching pajamas.
“Kylie?” My voice comes out as a croak. In the light, I almost regret what I said to her.
Almost.
I think about Alex and my heart aches. I remember him walking out. He had no right to leave me.
I clutch a hand to my chest.
Kylie’s red-rimmed eyes track the movement and she sniffs, brushing the tissue over her nose. “Oh, Zara...” Her shoulders shake.
Alex’s eyes.
His gorgeous eyes.
The way Eli set me up.
Eli fucked with my head and he set me up.
“Zara. What have you done?” Kylie asks.
I shake my head, shaking off the memory, too.
