Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 82034 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 410(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82034 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 410(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
Andrew’s gaze falls to the floor as he says, “Um… he went back to handle some meetings.”
I just stare blankly at Andrew, trying to process what he’s saying. “He went back? To the office?”
Andrew lifts his head, and I can see by the look in his eyes even he thinks that was a shitty move. He gives me a small smile. “He wants me to take you home, and he’ll be by your house a little bit later.”
“Tell me you’re kidding me,” I practically beg Andrew.
Please tell me that my best friend, lover, and man I’m in love with didn’t just abandon me in the hospital after the most traumatic experience of my life to attend “some meetings”.
“I’m sorry, Av,” Andrew says apologetically. “He doesn’t understand—”
“Don’t you fucking defend him,” I cut him off with a snarl. “I can’t imagine any circumstance where it’s okay for my boyfriend to ditch me at a time like this.”
Andrew just nods even though I know he probably has a million reasons Dane’s not here. I can come up with them on my own.
He’s new to this whole relationship thing.
He’s confused how to feel because you’re so upset about a former boyfriend.
He’s never had to be your rock before, Av. That’s always been my job.
None of that is any excuse.
“Just take me home,” I say wearily, figuring I can deal with Dane at another time when I’m a little bit more emotionally stable. I know part of my anger for him is just stemming from the fact that I’ve been overloaded with terrible stuff today. I’m sure in the clear light of day, I’ll see things a little more rationally.
That doesn’t stop me, however, from pulling my phone out and sending a text to Dane. I’m really tired. Going to bed when I get home so no need to come by.
Of course, one could say I sent that text as a test. Would he take the out I’m giving him not to have to deal with an emotionally fraught woman, or would he come through for me in the end?
CHAPTER 27
Dane
My office door flies open, and Andrew comes barreling through with fury blazing in his eyes. I actually expected it, so I’m braced and ready for a fight.
“What in the fuck are you doing here?” he snarls as he comes to stand on the opposite side of my desk and slams his palms down so hard it shakes.
“I’m working,” I say calmly, refusing to raise my voice to match his.
“You’re kidding me, right? Avril’s at home, having just pulled the plug on Jamie yesterday. You didn’t bother going to see her last night, but I thought for sure you could manage a little bit of time this morning to go see her.”
“She texted me not to come by last night,” I point out.
“You’re not that stupid,” Andrew growls. “It didn’t matter what she texted. She needed you last night, and you bailed.”
“I’m sorry if this isn’t affecting me the way it’s affecting you and Avril,” I growl back, starting to lose my patience with his holier-than-thou attitude.
“What?” Andrew says with a jerk of his chin inward.
“I can’t feel bad about a man I despised dying. He cheated on her, betrayed her, and hurt her. I’m not going to feel bad about it.”
“God… you are fucking stupid,” Andrew says with a laugh that holds absolutely no humor. “You don’t have to feel bad about it for Jamie’s sake, but you sure as fuck should feel bad your girlfriend is hurting right now and needs you.”
I shrug and look over at my laptop. “She has you consoling her. That’s always been what you’re good at.”
I’m not prepared for Andrew’s hand to lash out, grab my laptop, and hurl it across the room. It hits one of my built-ins, and the screen detaches and goes flying.
“What the fuck?” I yell as I charge up out of my chair and round the desk.
“I just told you that your girlfriend is hurting and you want me to handle it?” Andrew whispers, his entire body vibrating with rage. I’ve never seen him this mad in the entire time I’ve known him.
Something seems to explode inside of me, releasing every bit of emotion I’d been holding onto the last twenty-four hours. My hands curl into fists, and I lean into Andrew as I snarl, “Well, why the fuck is she hurting? Unless she still has feelings for him. Here she is, fucking me… saying she loves me, and now she falls to pieces because that piece of shit who betrayed her is dead.”
Andrew just blinks a few times with wide eyes and takes a step back from me. His voice is quiet but strong in his belief. “You really are a moron.”
I make a scoffing sound and turn my back on him to go back around my desk. I sit down, lean back, and steeple my hands in front of me. “Love is an illusion, Andrew. It makes people feel good to believe in it, but I never have. I know it’s as fragile as glass but nowhere near as clear. Avril said she loved me, and I couldn’t comprehend it. I couldn’t say it back. Hell, I didn’t want to say it back because I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop. And now it has.”