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“I can walk,” I say for the third time.
“We know that, sweetheart, but the doctor said—”
“He said I have to take it easy for a few days, Mom. He didn’t say I can’t walk to the car.”
But the second the hospital doors slide open, I realize we won’t be walking anyway. James’ familiar town car is right outside. His driver, William, jumps out and comes around to the passenger side. “Mr. Jagger. Ms. Tanner.” He gives them a swift nod and looks at me. “It’s good to see you back on your feet, Miss Tanner.”
“I would be on my feet if these two would let me.” I push out of the chair and stand. Apart from a slight ache to my muscles from underuse, I fee
l fine. “And please, call me Remi.”
“Very well, Remi.” He opens the door for me, and I climb inside. Mom and James follow.
“I’m so happy you’re coming home,” she says, swiping a tear from her eye.
There’s been a lot of those over the last few days, and I can’t help but wonder if it’s because of what awaits me.
“Can I have my cell phone back now?” I ask.
She blanches, looking to James for help, something else I’ve been accustomed to over the last few days.
“The doctor—”
“Did not say I couldn’t check my cell phone, Mom. So unless you’re ready to tell me what’s really going on, I’d like it back now.”
“Sarah,” James says, looping his arm around her waist. “Maybe it’s time.”
Mom inhales a shuddering breath and my heart ratchets. “The night of your party... right before the fight broke out and you were hurt, I’d planned to show a video. ‘Eighteen years of Remi Tanner.’” She smiles, but it’s sad.
My brows furrow. It doesn’t sound that scandalous.
“But somebody,” she clears her throat, “must have tampered with the laptop, because when I pressed play it wasn’t my video.”
“That doesn’t sound so bad, Mom.” I smile, but they’re not smiling back. In fact, Mom has tears slipping down her face again.
“Remi.” James comforts my mom. “It was a tape of you and Ace... together.”
“I don’t understand… There isn’t any tapes of me and A—”
No.
I gasp.
“H-he filmed us?”
“It would seem my sorry excuse of a nephew thought he would use you to get to me.” James’ words barely register as I replay that night in my head.
After my birthday, Ace had disappeared. I’d been out of my mind with worry, so when he texted me to say he wanted to see me after Cole’s first game, I hadn’t stopped to think he might be setting me up. Why would I?
I trusted him.
I wanted him.
I wanted him so damn much.
And I thought he felt the same.
Bile rushes up my throat as the truth falls down around me.
