Page 39 of All I Feel

I’d had my bare feet pressed into the cushion beneath me, my arms wrapped around the front of my legs. Squeezing a little tighter, I said, “I wasn’t going to ruin your night, Harper.”

“You’re my sister, Tessa. You come before a party.”

Nodding, I insisted, “I know. But I didn’t think Ryan deserved to be the focus of anyone’s attention that night. With a little bit of help, I pulled myself together, and I did okay.”

My mom’s eyes slid to Lark, clearly believing it had been solely my best friend who’d been stepping up to get me through my heartbreak since that night. When she returned her focus to me, she said, “I understand it’s been a bit since it happened, but I feel so sad about this. It’s strange because you appear to be composed.”

“Well, it hasn’t been easy,” I replied. “I’ve had some tough moments, but I’ve been doing my best to stay as busy as I can. And when I have downtime, I remind myself that I deserve better than what Ryan gave me. It hurts to know he isn’t the guy I thought he was, that he was able to do that to me when I never would’ve dreamed of doing the same to him. But I’m quickly realizing that I’d rather be alone for the rest of my life ifbeing with someone who is unfaithful is the alternative.”

“You’re not going to be alone the rest of your life,” Harper declared, swiping at her cheeks.

“Not at all,” Mom agreed. “I guess I should be thanking you, Lark.”

“Me?”

“For seeing Tessa through more than a week of her first real heartache.”

One look at my best friend told me precisely what was going to come out of her mouth next.

“Well, I’ve been more than happy to help her in any way that I can, but I don’t think I can really take credit for this.”

Confusion marred my mom’s features as Harper asked, “Why not? You’re her best friend, and she seems to be in better spirits than both our mom and me.”

I should’ve spoken up and shifted the conversation, but there was some small part of me that wanted them to know what she was going to share. So, I kept quiet. And with a smile playing at her lips, Lark revealed, “Tessa learned about Ryan’s infidelity on a Saturday. I didn’t know until Monday. It was someone else who was there for her that weekend and at other times ever since.”

Stunned expressions came my way. “Who?” my mom asked.

I dropped my gaze to my lap and nibbled on my bottom lip as I fidgeted with my hands. When I didn’t respond, Lark said, “It was Ace.”

“Ace?” Harper’s tone revealed her shock.

“Ace has been looking out for Tessa ever since.”

“I’m sorry. Why is Ace looking out for Tessa?”

My eyes rounded at the sound of the masculine voice. Itwas then that I’d noticed we were no longer alone and that my dad had entered the room.

Yikes.

He took one look at my mom and Harper, noted their tear-stained cheeks, and asked, “What’s going on in here?”

“Handsome, it’s nothing,” Mom said.

“You’ve been crying, Monroe.”

She waved her hand in the air dismissively. “Women get emotional on occasion. It’s not a big deal.”

“Well, considering my daughter is also upset, I don’t think this is that.” He looked at my sister. “Harper, why are you crying?”

She shook her head and looked away. “No reason.”

“You’re lying. Both of you.” Unwilling to be deterred, my father’s eyes settled on me. “Tessa, sweetheart, what’s going on?”

Crap.

I had to share. “Ryan and I broke up.”

For a moment, I could’ve sworn I saw my father’s eyes light up. He’d hated the idea of me dating at all. “Oh. Oh, I’m sorry to hear that, Tessa. But I’m not sure it’s a reason to be upset. I don’t think your mom and sister should be crying. In fact, let’s celebrate.” He twisted his neck and looked in the opposite direction. “Hey, Phoenix!”