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“Okay.” I lick my lips. “No more secrets. I’ll tell you anything.”
“Do you like him?” he quips, his somber expression never faltering.
“I do.” There’s no thought process behind it. No bullshit. I tell him the truth. “I pegged him wrong, Crew. I think we all did.”
“Look. Jagger and I know better than anyone what an asshat Neo is, but we also know the shit he’s been through. And, between us, we’re the only ones who have ever seen the guy cry. He’s not as heartless as he wants everyone to think he is. It’s sort of why we keep him around.”
Just the thought of Neo crying raises goosebumps over my skin. It also makes me really sad. I can almost picture it in my head and it’s a heartbreaking sight. Sometimes we forget that those who act tough, are really the ones hurting the most inside.
“He’s still an asshat, though.” Jagger’s words hit my ears and my body jolts, head twisting to look at him.
He’s got one eye open, on me. “Sometimes we have to hate him, sometimes we have to love him. But he’ll always be an asshat.”
When Jagger cracks a smile then closes his eye again, I know he’s being sympathetic to the situation, and I admire that about him. He’s able to put aside his feelings for the sake of my happiness. There are going to be times when I have to do the same, and that’s how relationships work. It’s all about compromise.
I can only assume he heard the entire conversation and he didn’t argue that I couldn’t keep up my end of the deal, so now, I’ll curl against his chest, while Crew holds me on the other side, and I’ll sleep with peace of mind tonight.
ChapterTwenty-Eight
SCAR
Last night waseverything I needed. I woke up feeling hopeful and happy to have my guys back home, and in my bed. For the first time in a while, I see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Maddie’s therapist comes today, so I’m skipping school to stay with her. She’s excited to show me the progress she’s made and I’m so impressed with how far she’s come so quickly. I look forward to the day when she’s walking, dancing, going to school and parties. All the things she’s missed out on.
Today is also the day I begin easing Maddie into the truth that Crew and I are together. It’s going to be a slow process. But eventually, I hope she’ll find it in her heart to be happy for us. For all of us.
It’s time to be honest. Not just with Maddie, but with myself, too.
Maddie is staying in Crew’s room. He wasn’t super thrilled about it until I told him he could share a bed with me for now. Then he offered to let her stay the rest of the school year.
“Got lunch,” I tell her, pushing the bedroom door open with my foot, a tray resting on both of my hands.
“Oh good. I’m starving.”
I set the tray down carefully on her bedside table, then settle in at the foot of her bed. With my legs folded like a pretzel, I curl my hands inside my sleeves. “Mind if we talk while you eat?”
She brings a spoon of chili to her mouth and blows on it. “Not at all.”
I clear my throat, breaking eye contact. “There’s something I need to tell you, Mads.”
“This doesn’t sound good.”
“It’s not terrible, but you might not like it.”
The sound of her spoon clanking against the ceramic bowl has me lifting my head. “Honestly, Scar. I don’t think there is much you can say to upset me right now. I’m just happy to be alive and well. So whatever it is, just tell me.”
I’ve always loved her optimism. Maddie has a way of lifting everyone’s moods. She’s the life of the party. The goofball who isn’t afraid to make a fool of herself. And the one who always speaks her mind. She’s basically Riley in a different body.
When I don’t say anything, she pushes harder. “Out with it, Scar. It can’t be that bad.”
“I’m dating Jagger.”
That’s not at all what I planned to say, but that’s also something she needed to know.
Her neck pulls back, eyebrows pinched tightly. “Jagger Cole?”
I chuckle. “Is there another Jagger?”
