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“Oh my God,” the loud squeal has me sitting bolt upright in bed.
Ellen’s eyes are wide in fright as I scramble to pull the sheets over myself. “Jesus Christ, Ace. You nearly gave me a goddamn heart attack.”
“I’m so sorry,” I mutter, pulling myself up so I’m resting back against the headboard, now fully covered.
“How long have you been back?” She lowers herself to the chair in the corner of the room. I guess she’s hanging out for a bit, then.
“A few days,” I admit.
“If I’d have known—”
“I’d have told you... Don’t feel bad because you feel the need to help. I appreciate that you do, but I needed space.”
She nods. “Your brothers are concerned about you.”
“I’m sure they’ll get over it.”
“James is too.”
I raise a brow. That’s un-fucking-likely. All he cares about is Remi and his reputation.
“Okay, he’s mostly just angry,” she concedes. “I’ve been worried though. Conner told me everything that happened.”
“Of course he did,” I mutter.
“Don’t be mad at him. I bribed him with food.”
I can’t help the smile pulling at my lips at the image she paints.
“He said you changed your mind about playing the video.”
I nod, not really up for having this conversation. “It was stupid. I knew the moment I filmed it that I wouldn’t go through with it. I just wish I’d destroyed it sooner.”
“And what do you want now?” she asks.
Ellen is the first person to do so. Everyone else has been so focused on me fucking up and making sure Remi is okay that they haven’t even thought it, let alone ask it. Not that I blame them. I’m not the victim here, Remi is. And all because of me.
My fist clenches. “I want to erase everyone’s fucking memories, so they haven’t seen my girl like that.” I know my mistake the second the words fall from my lips. She’s not mine anymore and probably never will be again.
“Okay, that’s impossible. What’s the second thing on your list?”
“Make her hear me out. Make her believe I didn't mean all the things I said and did. Prove to her that I didn’t want anyone to see her like that.”
A small smile curls at Ellen’s lips. “Good. Now stop hiding in here like a little bitch and get out there and make it happen.” She stands, throwing the curtains open, letting the beaming sun stream in. It’s the first time I’ve seen it in days, and it burns my eyes. “You’re way too late for breakfast, but once you’re dressed, come up to the house and I’ll make you lunch.”
“But—”
“No one else is here. James is at work and the boys are at school.”
I nod, the thought of good food, too much to refuse. She leaves, opening every curtain and window as she goes. I can only assume the place stinks after my three-day lock-in.
When I get up to the house, I discover she’s not just made me lunch but a full-on meal. My stomach groans right on cue as she places a huge plate down in front of me.
I can’t lie. Things do feel a little lighter with a stomach full of Ellen’s food.
“I don’t know whether you want to know this or not, but Remi is going back to school tomorrow.”
I sit back and allow her words to flow through me. Fuck. The thought of her walking down the hallways with everyone laughing and joking at her expense has red hot fury exploding within me. Blood boils in my veins as I stand from the table.
