“Tsk,tsk, oh, poor Lilly, what has Max been telling you?” I stopped right in front of her and reached my hand up, patting her cheek twice. “Even if I left tonight, Max will never be yours. You’re nothing but a warm body to him. We are getting married. He talks about it every time he’s home. He’s got a venue, music, and the menu all picked out. I’m going in a few weeks to get my dress at a boutique where the gown will cost more than your rent. You’ve spent so much time trying to be me, with your hair, clothes, and even your name. But that won’t change the fact that everyone knows you’re just a cheap knock-off. Max may stop over at the Walmart on his way home for milk, but when he comes through that door every night, he’s having caviar. Bye, bitch.”
I turned, grabbed my shoes, bag, and keys, and fled before she could reply. I ran to the elevator and the momentthe doors closed, I dropped to my knees and snatched the tiny trash can in the corner, vomiting into it.
The doors opened at the bottom, and Tuth was on the other side.
“Woah, are you alright?” they asked, hurrying to my aid. They helped me up and dragged me from the elevator, leaving the trash behind. I gently pushed them away and wiped my mouth.
“I’m fine. I’m... just an asshole.”
I followed Tuth to their car, and sobbed as they drove me home. I was embarrassed and ashamed of what I’d said to Lilly. None of it was true, and I’d said it all purposely to hurt her. Why would I do that? Since when was I that jealous, manipulative type of woman? And why would I be so territorial over Max, of all men? I didn’t love him then, and I certainly didn’t love him now.
I pressed my cheek to the glass window.
My heart has always belonged to Gatsby.
That’s who I was supposed to be focusing on. How do I get back to him, was my problem. Not keeping Lilly from Max.
The memory of what I’d said to her made my stomach turn again, and I made Tuth pull over so I could vomit again.
“Jesus, dude,” they said. “Should we get you some pink stuff? Is this a stomach bug, or food poisoning? Did that bitch poison you? I’ll cut her,” they threatened as I pulled my sorry ass inside the car and they continued driving. I closed my eyes.
“No, she didn’t poison me. And I’m not sick.”
“What’s going on then—Good god, Daisy, please don’t tell me you’re pregnant.”
I stared at them.
“What?”
Chapter 34
Daisy
I shovedTuth’s shoulder and flipped them off. “Hell no, don’t ever ask that again.” I shuddered. The very idea of being pregnant made me... well, it made me want to vomit again. I groaned and pressed my face to the window again to try to cool my body. I closed my eyes and let Tuth get me home.
“You want help inside? Are you sure you’re okay?” they asked me.
“I’m fine, really. I just—need to think about things.” I opened the door and set one foot on the ground.
“You mean think about him. Are you going to leave Max then?”
I turned back curiously. “What are you talking about?” What did they know? Their bright, aqua colored eyes were wide and hopeful.
“Gatsby. You know he’s back. He’s hot, and rich, and crazy about you, Daisy. Is that what’s got you so worked up? Are you going to leave Max and you’re worried about how he’s going to react? Daisy, I don’t think you gotta stress about that, Gatsby is?—”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” I snapped. Instantly, my stomach reacted by tightening to a painful level. “Sorry, I just... it’s more complicated than just packing my bags and walking out the front door. I’ve got to go, I... need to shower.” I looked down at the pieces of vomit on my shirt and got out of the car to head into the house.
I showered, put on pj’s, and went down for some water. It was going to be an early night for me, provided I could sleep. The guilt over what I’d said to Lilly still wasn’t sitting right with me.
Why was I fighting to keep something I never wanted?
I wrestled with the question as I made my way back upstairs, glass in hand. I passed by Max’s den on the way back and jumped when he called for me.
“Daisy!”
I paused, the water in my glass sloshing over the sides and down my hand. I went back, standing in the doorway. Low jazz music played inside the smoke-filled room. It smelled of cigars and Max’s cologne.
“Jesus, Max, I didn’t know you were home.” I forced a laugh. He lounged in his chair, nursing a whiskey. His hardened face put my heart into a panic. Had Lilly told him what I’d said to her?
