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“Sure honey. I love you. It was good to hear your voice.”
When I cut the call, I open up a video message. It’s unclear at first but when the picture comes into focus, I let out a growl. A text follows.
Unknown Number: Thought you’d like the show.
Rage and disbelief cloud my vision as I reply with shaky hands.
Me: Who the fuck is this?
Unknown Number: Can’t you tell?
The video continues to play in a smaller frame in the corner of the screen and when his face comes into view, I lose it. Will fucking James balls deep in my girl.
Grabbing my bottle, I head out onto the terrace. I don’t know how long I sit there, the chilly air seeping into my bones. My heart cannot believe the extent of her betrayal. This is Asher. She’s honest, kind, and loyal. She’ll never do something like this. And yet as I play her sex tape over and over again, it’s obvious I’m the fucking fool for ever believing her. For ever letting myself fall for a girl I barely even knew.
She doesn’t get to spring this on me like a coward. I’m gonna know why.
* * *
“Asher! I know you’re in there.” I pound on her front door.
Her aunt opens it, her face contorting in rage. “What the hell is wrong with you, Ryder? It’s one a.m. in the morning. You’re gonna wake the neighbors.”
“Where is she?” I know I’m slurring.
“You’re drunk? You better call a cab and get the hell off my lawn.” Felicity scolds.
Lights flicker on at the house next door and I know it’s Dylan. “I just need to see her.” I push past her, almost knocking Felicity over.
“I am calling the cops, Ryder.”
Taking the stairs two at a time, I am outside her door in seconds, trying the knob. Locked.
“Open the fucking door, Ash. You don’t get to hide in there like a coward.”
Her door swings open and she stands there puffy-eyed, wild hair, and yet still beautiful. God, I gave this girl my heart, and she’s fucked it all up.
Falling to my knees before her, I feel my heart dropping with me. “How could you do this to me?”
She scoffs, her features morphing into someone I barely recognize. “As if you don’t know the answer. You’re a failure, Ryder. Who wants to be with a man who doesn’t even have the sense to realize that art isn’t gonna pay the bills all the time?”
I stare at her in disbelief. Surely, she of all people can’t mean that.
“Working with people with their heads on straight. People like Will, just made me realize how wrong we are for each other. You’re not focused or driven. You’re a spoiled rich kid who thinks he can do whatever the fuck he wants.”
“You don’t mean that?” I mutter. “You don’t!”
“Yes. I do. Will is the kind of man I want to be with. He’s driven, successful, and he hasn’t had daddy filling his pockets his whole life. Just leave, Ryder. Now!”
Strong hands grip my shoulder and I’m being dragged upright. “You don’t have to be so cruel, Ash. Whatever the fuck is happening, you’re way out of line,” Dylan tells her.
“Way out of line? You’re just glad to be leeching off him your entire life.”
“Ash!” Marcella has now joined the party in the hallway.
She stares at us all, then backs into her room, slamming her door.
“Come on, man. Crash at my place. Marcy’s mom is gonna call the cops if I don’t get you out of here.”
