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Her jaw tightens again. “What? Talk to me? Why would she do that?”
I figured she might do it to get between you and your dad. I don't have the heart to say that out loud, even if it's what I’m thinking and even if I have no doubt Amanda would stoop that low. Even before her little performance back at Callum’s, I didn't exactly have a high opinion of her. Watching my best friend get disappointed time and time again by her thoughtless mom left me with a bad taste in my mouth a long time ago. I shouldn’t have been surprised by how determined she was to make everybody miserable.
“Listen to me.” The way she grips my hands, it's like she wants to break my fingers. “It's really good that you’re here right now. In fact, it’s probably the best place for you.”
Instantly, ugly thoughts start to race through my head. “What's wrong? Is he okay? Did something bad happen?”
“No, he's fine. I mean, he's a miserable wreck and keeps asking if I can get a hold of you because he's crawling out of his skin without you, but otherwise, he's fine. I'm more worried about her and you.”
He did accuse her of knowing Lucas, didn't he? I didn't have much time to think about it then—many other things were going on—but that's something I've pondered while trying and failing to fall asleep. Was she the reason Lucas went crazy?
“She will literally do anything to get what she wants,” Tatum continues in a hushed voice. “I could kick myself for thinking she ever finalized the divorce. She knows that once it's over, it's over for good. She won't be able to get any more money out of him. Therefore she's doing everything she can to make him miserable and force his hand. As far as she's concerned, he is ruining her life. To get even, she's going to ruin his.”
It’s a dumpster fire—the whole thing.
“Do you think I'm in danger because of her?” I can't believe I'm even saying this. I can't believe Callum wouldn't stop to think about what Amanda is capable of. He's so concerned with my safety, protecting me, all that. Why didn't he bother to consider her being a threat?
Especially if he suspected she got to Lucas. It's like every time I turn around, there's another reminder of how he’s no good for me. Even if, in my heart, all I want is to go back to him. I miss him with every part of me, every fiber of my soul. Being separated leaves me aching and weak.
Tatum takes way too long to respond. “I wish I could say no and be certain, but right now, I think it’s best to lay low. And just know that he really, truly is determined to get her out of his life for good.”
“Oh, really?” Pardon me if I have a hard time buying that.
“Right now, they're at a meeting with the lawyers. Both of them. He’s dead set on putting this behind him so he can be with you.”
I wish my heart didn't swell when she said that. I wish I didn't feel so happy. I want so much for it to be true—my entire life has become about him and us.
Something inside me aches when another thought hits me. “Are you sure that isn't what he told you to say? Is that why you're here? Did he ask you to come see me because he knows I won't see him?”
Her head snaps back, and right away, I regret asking. “How could you even think that?”
“I didn't mean it… like that.”
“Too bad, that's exactly how it came off.” She drops my hands. “No, he didn't tell me to come and say that. He knows better, for one thing. I wouldn’t do it anyway, not even if he begged. I waited until he was gone to come here. I don’t want him to know since all he'll do is jump on me when I get home and ask me a million questions. I figured you wanted your privacy, and when you were ready, you’d talk to him.”
“I'm sorry. Don't be mad at me,” I beg. “Please. You're all I have. I can't lose you.”
“I'm not mad.” She sighs and her shoulders sink. “You're kind of all I have, too. I can't afford to lose you.”
“You'll always have me. Even if I've run off for a few days, it's not because of you. I'm really sorry,” I add when the pain on her face intensifies. “You don't deserve to be in the middle of this.”
“Yeah, well, you happen to be two people I love, even if you both make me want to scream sometimes.” She grins, and I know she doesn't mean it. Not completely. “Are you sure you're okay here? I'm serious. If he's unstable...”
