Page 197 of Revv

The ache behind my ribs turns sharp enough that I have to look down at the container in my hands.

This is why I didn’t want to do this shit with him.

I know how this story goes.

I knew what was going to happen when Revel came flying into my life with that stupid fucking grin, chasing me. Like I was the only girl he wanted.

Apparently I’m pendeja enough to believe him.

My eyes start burning.

Nope.

Mami notices anyway because mothers are invasive like that.

“Baby.”

“Don’t.”

She comes around the island, and I immediately step away because if she hugs me, I’m fucked.

“I just feel stupid.”

“You are not stupid.”

“Yeah, I kinda am, because I knew better.” I fold my arms. “He promised he’d be here.”

“I know.”

“And he isn’t, so please stop trying to make me feel better about him.”

“I’m not making you feel better about him. I’m trying to stop you from comparing him to your father after one bad night before you even know what happened.”

I laugh once. “Mami, I literally told Revel my biggest fucking fear was that he’d chase me until he got me and then lose interest. I handed that man the instructions on exactly how to hurt me.”

My voice shakes, and that pisses me off even more. Mami’s expression softens. Ay, no.

“He said he wanted the boring stuff too, and I believed him.”

There it is.

The actual fucking problem.

I believed him enough to stop waiting for the catch.

A tear slips down my cheek, and I wipe it away immediately.

“Fuck.”

Mami reaches for me again, and this time I let her take my hand.

“You’re allowed to be mad.”

“I am.”

“But trusting him wasn’t stupid, mija.”

I look away. “Feels pretty fucking stupid from where I’m standing.”