Page 141 of Brighter Together

Tommy doesn’t interrupt.

“That’s why I left. I couldn’t do it anymore.”

I wrap my arms around myself.

“When Lee found out about the expansion project, he told me the company was struggling. Then Dad started calling. They said I owed them because I’d left. They said if I helped with one proposal, they’d leave me alone.”

“One proposal.”

I nod.

“I believed them.”

Even saying it sounds pathetic.

“I kept thinking if I did this one thing, maybe it would finally be over.”

Tommy looks towards the window.

I can’t read what he is thinking.

I hate that.

“I should have told you.”

“Yes.” He almost sounds cold.

He looks back at me. “You should have.”

I nod. “I wanted to.”

“When?”

“Manchester. That night on the roof. Later in bed. After the presentation. About fifty times since.”

“Then why didn’t you?”

Because I am a coward.

Because fear has spent years being stronger than me.

“Because I thought you’d look at me exactly the way you’re looking at me now.”

His expression shifts.

“Ella—”

“I thought I’d lose you.”

“And instead you let me keep considering their proposal without knowing why it felt like they understood Greenview better than everyone else.”

I close my eyes.

“Yes.”

That is the part I cannot defend.

“I’m sorry.”