Page 55 of One Pucking Secret
“It’ll all work out,” Lainey insists gently, squeezing my shoulder as if trying to ground me in this chaos.
“I don’t know.”
“You should talk to Wyatt,” Lainey urges, unwavering in her belief that we can fix this together.
“I can’t.” My chest constricts as panic flares inside me. “It’s better to keep my distance for now.”
Lainey’s eyes widen slightly, as if trying to understand where I’m coming from.
“I won’t keep him from seeing Jasper,” I add quickly, though doubt lingers in my mind. “Butgoing out together isn’t safe right now—not until it gets under control.”
My heart aches with every word, knowing that keeping them apart might be what protects us all in the end—even if it hurts like hell.
“I feel like I’m failing him, Lainey. It’s like… I’ve got no power here, no way to shield him.”
“Shh.” Lainey’s fingers weave through my hair. “You’re his rock, Chlo. You’ll get through this. For him.”
She pulls back just enough to look into my eyes, her gaze firm. “You’re stronger than you think. Jasper knows that. We all do.” Her thumb catches a tear, wiping it away with a touch as tender as a whisper.
The air in my office feels thick, a viscous mixture of disappointment and dread. I swipe at the stubborn tears that blur my vision. “I can’t believe this is happening,” I mutter, squeezing my eyes shut as if it might shield me from reality. “And then there’s the matter of my promotion, which I know I’ve blown. God, is that a selfish thing to say?”
Lainey’s hand is warm against my cheek, her touch steadying. “You’ve worked hard for that promotion. And I’m sure you’re still in the running.”
I shake my head, the movement jagged with disbelief. “There’s no way,” I insist, the words scraping my throat raw. “Janelle seemed… disappointed in me.” Years of dedication, of late nights and too-early mornings, flash before me like a mocking slideshow. “I’ve worked here for years, and I’ve never gotten that look from her before.”
“She’ll get over it,” Lainey assures me, but her voice holds a tremble that betrays uncertainty. “I’m sure if you can prove that you’ve got the situation under control—”
“Lainey, my job was to rehab Wyatt’s image.” My laugh is bitter, humorless. “This is the complete opposite of my goal.”
“Just focus on you and Jasper right now, okay? This mess can be fixed.” She pauses, and when she continues, her conviction is clear as a bell. “And you know you can call me for anything. I love the hell out of you and Jasp.”
Gratitude swells within me, a buoyant force. “Thanks, Lainey.” My heart may be splintering, but having her for a friend is the glue holding the pieces together.
“Where’s Jasper?”
“He’s at my parents’ house. I was supposed to pick him up, but then Janelle called.”
“Why don’t I go get him? I doubt you’ll want to explain everything to your parents before you’ve had a chance to talk with Wyatt.”
“Are you sure?”
“Definitely,” she reassures me, and heads toward the door. “Go home.”
“I owe you again, Lainey.”
“Don’t mention it,” she says with a wave over her shoulder.
Once she’s gone, I take a look around my office. The walls are lined with accolades and framed success, each one a bitter reminder of what I’ve jeopardized.
Turning off the light, I let the door close with a soft click behind me, stepping out from the remnants of my career into an uncertain next two weeks.
When I arrive atmy apartment, Wyatt looms before my door, a solitary figure half cloaked in shadow, his broad shoulders squared against the world.
“Chloe, is everything okay?” he asks. “I’ve been trying to reach you all morning.”
I can’t hold back the heaviness in my chest. “I—” I stammer, my thoughts racing. “I got suspended.”
“Fuck, Chloe. I’m sorry.”
