I step closer, my pulse racing, knowing I need to tread lightly, or I’ll lose her forever.
“You were in that meeting when I got fired.Admit it.”
“I was.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”Her voice trembles.
“I wanted to.I was eventually?—”
“When?”she cuts me off, shaking her head, her golden locks whipping around her face.“I knew this was too good to be true—thatyouwere too good to be true.This isn’t some cheesy movie where everything works out perfectly in the end.This is real life, where I find out the guy I’ve been falling for is a complete and total liar.”
The pain in her voice pierces through me, and I reach out, desperate to be close to her.But she steps back just as a taxi pulls up, idling beside us.
“Please.Let me explain.”
She climbs into the back seat, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears as she stares at me from the window.
“Jemma,” I call out, my voice choking on regret.“I’m sorry.”
But it’s too late.
The taxi pulls away, taking Jemma and a piece of my heart with it.
ChapterTwenty-Nine
JEMMA
In the cab, I burst into tears.
I’m embarrassed.I feel betrayed.The pain in my chest won’t stop aching.
I’ve told him things—personal things I haven’t told anyone.I swallow down the lump that’s restricting my throat.
None of this was real.Everything was a lie.I knew this was too good to be true.This is real life, not some silly rom-com where everything works out perfectly in the end.I can get over him keeping his family issues from me, but this is a whole new level of fucked up.
I need my best friend right now—I need Gretchen.She’ll know what to say.She’ll help me make sense of this whole thing.
I slide my phone from my black clutch resting on my lap.With shaking hands, I text the one person I trust most in the world, praying for a quick response.
Jemma: I need you!NOW!!!
Gretchen: I’m walking to the subway RN.What’s going on?
Jemma: You’re not going to believe this ...
Gretchen: Type faster.You’re worrying me.
Jemma: Luca works for the company Foster & Sons hired to fire me.He’s a hatchet man, Gretch!He’s known who I am this entire time!!!!!!!!
Gretchen: OMG.How is that even possible?
Gretchen: Where are you right now?
Jemma: I’m in a cab heading back to Luca’s apartment.I left him on the street.He was trying to explain himself.I couldn’t listen.I had to leave.I’m going to pack.Then I’m taking a cab to the airport.I don’t care if I have to sleep there until I can get a flight home.I just can’t be here with him.He’s a big, fat liar.
I’m waiting for Gretchen’s response when my phone starts vibrating in my already shaking hand.I quickly accept the call, yanking the phone toward my ear.The cabbie stares at me with curious eyes in the rearview mirror.
“Gretchen!”I exclaim, tears erupting from me like a volcano.
