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“What did you want to talk to us about anyway?” Austin asked, and I inhaled another deep breath, clutching the edge of the counter.
“Oh, I… my apartment is ready.” I turned slowly, swallowing down the acidic lump in my throat, blinking back the tears that were threatening to fall. “I can pick up the keys Tuesday. Yay.”
Connor winced, apology glittering in his eyes.
Because he knew.
He fucking knew what was happening.
He knew, and he didn’t give me any warning.
“Oh shit, Rory.” Guilt coasted over Austin’s expression. “You don’t need to go. The guys and I talked, and you’re welcome to stay.” He smiled. “I know things have been all messed up between us. But I like having you around. In fact, I was hoping we could talk.”
“It’s late. I have early classes.” I rushed out, my heart bleeding out in my chest. “But, tomorrow? I can do it tomorrow,” I managed to add.
“Yeah, tomorrow sounds good.”
“Well, enjoy the cookies.”
“Rory,” Connor called, but I hurried out of there, barely holding myself together.
I ran up the first set of stairs, forcing one foot in front of the other. Just a little further, and then I could break.
Behind closed doors where no one else would see—
“Aurora, wait…” Connor called after me, and I glanced back over my shoulder, unable to stop the tears from streaking down my face. “It’s for the best,” he said with a sad smile.
“Yeah,” I sniffled. “You’re probably right.”
He looked like he wanted to say more, but he didn’t, and I took off.
The second I was inside my room, I closed the door and sank to the floor. Tears ran down my cheeks in rivers as I wrapped my arms around my knees and tried to hold myself together.
I’d always known Noah Holden had the power to ruin me.
I just didn’t think he’d actually do it.
I didn’t see Noah again before I moved out. But then, cowards had a habit of hiding.
He’d sent me one text. One lame-assed apology I deleted before I’d even finished reading it. If he couldn’t look me in the eyes and give me the truth, I didn’t want his excuses.
His lies.
Connor and Austin were there, though. Ella and Harper too. It only took the five of us less than two hours to pack up and move my meager possessions to the other side of campus to my freshly painted apartment.
“It’s nice,” Austin said from the doorway.
“Yeah, I think I’ll be happy here.”
“Listen, I know we talked yesterday, but I still can’t shake the feeling I’m missing something. You know, if something happened with Mom—”
“I told you I set things straight with her. If she wants to apologize and try and have a normal relationship with me, she knows where to find me.”
“I’m proud of you, Sis.” He came closer, hesitating. “And the therapy stuff? You’re going to find someone local?”
I nodded. “Ella’s friend Jordan has a couple of recommendations I can check out. See if we’re a good fit.”
He nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. “Rory, I’m so fucking sorry—”
