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How could it have been a farce? How could she have been played again?
She’d only had a few days with Jace. Why had she let herself fall so hard, let him past all her barriers, let herself think she loved him?
Think? Sadly, she did love him.
She should cancel the condo sale, finish things with State Farm, and start looking for a new job here in Barstow.
Depression. Deep and with no end in sight. What did she have to look forward to? Runs with Taryn. The aftermath of Bryan’s poor choices and all the clients who would need extra attention now. Helping her parents. Enjoying time with them. Visiting her grandma. Volunteering at church and the homeless shelter.
That was all good. That would help. Staying busy would help.
I need help, she texted her friend.
Four-thirty again?
Yep.
See you then, sunshine. Set an alarm this time.
She texted a thumbs up. But she wasn’t sunshine. Not right now. Maybe never again.
Climbing off the floor, she tried to stretch, but she didn’t even have the energy. She sank onto her couch, put her head between her knees, and let the tears fall again. Then she slid to her knees and prayed for help and strength. She’d gotten through Tim’s betrayal. Somehow, she’d get through Jace’s too.
She stood and texted Taryn again.
Please watch #bravedelta’s ski video and then Iluminada’s Instagram story.
Okay.A frowning face.I don’t like that combination.
Me neither.Taryn had no idea how little Ayla “liked” that combination.
Back to you in a few.
A rap came on her door. What now? It couldn’t possibly be Taryn.
Ayla sniffled, wiped her nose and eyes, and went to the door. She should care that she looked horrible. She didn’t.
Looking through the peephole, she gasped and stared at the face she loved. For a crazy, almost carefree few days, she’d thought she loved him. Why was she so gullible? Why did she still love this two-faced jerk? She slammed her fist against the inside of the door and yelled at him through the wood, “Go away!”
“Ayla?” Jace pressed in closer to the peephole. Even distorted, he was so handsome it hurt to look at him. “Ayla.”
What was he doing here? Her heart leapt to think he’d come for her. He’d told her he’d make them work. Had he come to rescue her from her dry, barren existence? Or had he come to join her here and give up his beautiful home and Christmas-perfect life?
No. Her heart cracked in pain again. She wouldn’t believe any more of his lies.
“Go find Iluminada,” she yelled.
“No,” he called back. “Ayla, open up so I can explain.”
“I’m not listening to your smooth-tongued lies.”
“Keep it down,” her neighbor called, banging on the wall.
Ayla always tried to be a good neighbor, but she was ticked right now. “No!” she screamed at Joseph through the wall. “Tell him to leave me alone.”
“Ayla, please,” Jace begged.
She heard a door open. “Dude! It’s eleven p.m. and I’ve got to work in the morning.”
