Page 102 of Miss Trust

Chapter Fifty

Tory

Ileft his room quickly. Chance was done with whatever this was between us. Of course he was. It had only been a matter of time. The other night over the phone, I’d already felt the shift. Tonight was simply the confirmation of something I’d seen coming. Once in my bathroom, I stepped into the shower, letting the hot water wash over my body and wishing it could wash away my feelings.

So much for believing we were building something together. I should’ve trusted my gut and kept my defenses up. Instead, I’d taken a chance. How was that for irony? Took a chance on Chance and lost my heart in the process.

Just thirty minutes ago, I couldn’t have been happier to learn he was here in the house. Almost like he couldn’t stay away. It turned out he’d only wanted one last booty call before he left overseas for any number of women available to him there. Why else would he have brought up our exclusivity deal? He’d obviously wanted the out. Otherwise, he would’ve told me straight out he wanted to stay exclusive.

In the shower, I let the tears flow. I’d allow myself the moment of weakness before I vowed there would not be any more. I’d been through worse than a stupid man breaking my heart. In addition to my vow, I also made a few decisions.

First, I needed to find a new job. Continuing to work for Chance would be a mistake. One major obstacle though. I’d never been successful in a job search. So perhaps I had to endure this job for a while longer while interviewing for another one. But secondly, and more pressing, I needed to move out. I couldn’t stay in his house and continue to see him on a possibly daily basis. It would hurt too much.

The next morning, I faked normality during the time I spent with Teagan and Reid and then snapped up their offer to spend the afternoon with Penny. What I needed was a friend to confide in. I needed Daisy.

Within minutes of my arrival at her apartment, she was pouring me a large glass of wine even though it was barely past noon.

I took a seat on a barstool at her kitchen island and looked around her new place. “This is nice. Do you like the neighborhood?”

“I do like it. Now spill. Why do you look like someone took your favorite toy?”

Nothing got by my friend. I took her through a summary of the high points and the low one of last night.

Daisy wasn’t often speechless, but this time she just sat there, her eyes wide. “Has he called you since then?”

“Nope.” The disappointment was tangible. “I’m so stupid. I thought with Vegas, our connection was growing. I thought the fact he’d snuck into the house last night meant he couldn’t stay away. Turns out he was just working up the nerve to break things off.”

“He said he’d had a rough couple of days. Maybe it’s affecting him.”

I shrugged. “If so, he won’t talk about it. One more sign this wasn’t ever going to work.” If he couldn’t confide in me when I’d shared with him, then it was clear he wasn’t invested.

“How will it be for you to keep working for him?”

“I don’t have a choice but to ensure it’s fine. But I need to move out. After I find a new place, I can hopefully find a new job.”

She sighed. “You kind of have the perfect setup where you are.”

“I did. Until I slept with my boss.” I put my head in my hands. “I’ll keep the job and insurance until I can find something better, if better even exists, but I can’t stay there. Not anymore. I can’t see him and pretend it doesn’t hurt.”

“Move in here. It’s not huge, but I have a pull-out sofa.”

“No. I couldn’t.” It was so generous of her to suggest it, but I couldn’t possibly impose.

“Why not? It would be temporary and would at least get you out of the house quickly so you don’t have to be there when he gets home from his travels.”

I bit my lip, thinking it over.

“I make pancakes every Saturday morning.”

I gave her a big hug. “Thank you. We’ll do it.”