“I had fallen in love with him, so I agreed.But Rebecca told Renaldo that I was cheating.She didn’t tell Renaldo it was with Bobby, though.When he confronted me, asking if what Rebecca had said was true, I confessed.He left me, which I deserved.And I never spoke to Bobby again because he would rather save face and live a lie than let everyone know he’s in love with the town queer.
“Rebecca had to hurt me the way I had hurt her even though she got the guy.It wasn’t enough that I kept my mouth shut.She had to take away the only man who truly loved me, and the kicker, it was my fault.
“And for that reason…Rebecca Bloom needs to die.”
Dandy looks away, his lower lip quivering.
This explains so much.
The change I saw in Dandy was because of Rebecca.She has destroyed us both.
“How can one person be so…mean?”I say, unable to understand the hatred she has brewing inside her.
Dandy sniffs, wiping away a stray tear.“I don’t know, but knowing what she did to you makes me hate her even more.”
Without thought, I reach for Dandy and hug him tightly.He cries into my shoulder, letting out years of pain, pain he hasn’t been able to share until now.
I don’t say a word and simply allow Dandy to grieve.
He’s right, however.
That bitchdoesdeserve to die.His comment now makes sense, as no, it’s not enough.Ruining her and tarnishing her reputation seems tame compared to what she did to us both.
“It’s going to be all right,” I assure him, rubbing his back.
Rebecca has made it impossible for either of us to be all right ever again.
After a few minutes, he pulls away, his eyes red.“Please don’t tell Kit any of this.I don’t want him to know.”
“Of course.It’s not my story to tell,” I promise.
Dandy stands, blowing out a shaky breath.“I’m going to shower.I’m working a double shift.Text me later and let me know what you guys decide.”
I nod.
He rinses his mug out, and before leaving the kitchen, he turns over his shoulder and says with nothing but sincerity, “I’m so happy you’re back.”
“Me too.”
And I am.
Dandy leaves as I process what he shared.
I’m torn as the feelings of revenge reappear.
I hear Jupiter once again.“I told you we’re the same.”
Lowering my head, I rub my temples, sensing an oncoming migraine.
“Why didn’t you wake me?”Kit asks as he enters the kitchen.
There’s no point trying to pretend that everything is okay.But I made a promise to Dandy, and I intend to keep it.
“You were snoring, I mean, sleeping so soundly,” I say with a smirk.
“Probably the only sleep I got when you stopped hogging the bed.”
My mouth parts in mock horror.“Oh, you lie.”
