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“Or was this more of a way of protecting yourself?” Bekka’s tone was soft. “If you gave your heart to Blaine, someone else wouldn’t be able to break it anymore?”
Her question slams into me. Was that what this was? Was I dumb enough to think attaching myself to someone else would make ten years worth of feelings disappear?
“It was your armor.” Camille walks over, reaching across the island. “If you had that ring on, it protected you.” She shakes her head. “Sister, there is no amount of amor you can put on to keep real love out.”
“I’ve never told you, or Elle. How do y’all even know?” I ask.
“Seriously?” Elle laughs. “Have you not seen the way he looks at you?”
“What? With pity?” I croak. “He’s a famous football player. He has women throwing themselves at him left and right. He’s been pictured with numerous. He’s not pining over the deaf girl in his hometown.”
“Tills...” Cami starts.
I know all the things he said. I know he told me just hours ago I was the most important thing to him, but self doubt is a nasty habit to break.
“He was here this morning because he came over last night right after the incident. He stayed because he felt bad for me. My “fiancé”. I use air quotes. “Had just slapped me across the face and threatened me. Of course he stayed. It was the nice thing to do.”
“Nice? Where did he sleep?” Elle crosses her arms.
I hesitate, rolling my lips together. “With me.”
Bekka smiles and Camille holds her hand to her heart like I just made some sort of life changing public declaration.
“Nothing is going on. I literally just dumped my fiancé less than twenty-four hours ago.” I roll my eyes.
“I don’t give a shit if you dumped him two hours ago. Greyson Roy has it bad for you.” Elle climbs off the couch. “He literally flew from a different state the second he heard you were engaged.”
Bekka and Camille both swoon like a couple of teenagers.
“He helped me. We have history. He’s Adam’s best friend.” I close eyes. “We’re friends…” I trail off.
“I saw the look on his face, Tilly.” Elle meets my eyes. “He asked me point blank if you were in love with Blaine.”
I frown. “When?”
“The morning, he got here. And you know how I know that man loves you?” She uncrosses her arms. “If I would have said yes. That you were in love and happy, he would have let you be. He would have spent the rest of his life miserable, as long as you were happy.”
“Damn,” Bekka mumbles.
“What she said,” Camille adds.
“I’m scared.” I let the truth fall from my lips. “He broke my heart once; I’d be stupid to let him do it again.”
“But what if he doesn’t?” Elle questions.
What if he doesn’t? That’s a terrifying question.
Chapter 34
Greyson
I spent the morning talking about work ethic, physical and mental toughness, along with what the dreams were of a group of boys who weren’t much bigger than my left thigh. But the enthusiasm and attitude from each one has the idea I’ve had brewing, seem like more of a reality.
Adam had called, but I let it go to voicemail. If I talked to him, I’d let him know what a piece of shit his sister’s ex-fiancé was and I wanted to let Tilly be the one to tell him. Although it wasn’t my place, the possessive side of me wanted to take matters into my own hands. To tell Adam, her father, and whoever else wanted to join in on the revenge I planned to shell out. Which I would. I had her engagement ring burning a hole in my pocket. I found it amongst the dinner that was scattered on the floor. I plan to return if myself and make sure he understands that if he so much as breathes in her direction, he’s a dead man.
When I pull up to my house, my brother’s car is in the drive. He must be visiting mom. I come through the door to hear my mom’s laughter and June’s giggles. I had three important women in my life, and two of them were in the living room.
I sent Easton a tilt of my chin. “Hey.”
