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“And nothing is happening?”
“Nothing.”
She nibbles on her bottom lip as she contemplates her next words. “Wait. Is she…is that tattoo because of her?”
All I can do is nod.
“Okay. It would have been better if you told me instead of blindsiding me. How would you feel if my ex showed up, and I didn’t tell you?”
My nostrils flare just at the thought of another guy near her. “I’d kill him.”
“So you get it.”
“Look…” I turn and grip her waist and move her so she’s standing in front of me. Bending my knees, I get down so I’m at eye level with her, which isn’t too far considering the heels she’s wearing. “I’m sorry. As bad as it sounds, I didn’t want you two to meet. She’s my past. I want you to be my future.”
“This is…a lot. I need some time. Time to think. Process all this.” She wraps her hands around herself, head bowed. Moisture collects in the corners of her eyes. She tries to blink away the tears, but they don’t go unnoticed.
I push off the car and move to stand in front of her wanting to hold her in my arms but she sidesteps me. With her head still head bowed, she slides past me. No goodbye. No we’ll talk later. And not a single glance back.
Stevie steps out from the shadows. “That didn’t sound like it went well. Hungry?” She holds the paper bag with a sandwich inside out to me.
I glare at her. I’m one thread away from snapping. Every time she enters my life again, shit gets all fucked up. This time, she’s ruined the best thing that’s happened to me.
TWENTY-SIX
TAKE OUT THE TRASH
Olivia
After the run-in with Ledger’s ex, I needed time to myself. On my way home, I stopped at the store and stocked up on all the carbs and sugar imaginable. Empty calories for my empty heart. My two-day solitude comes to a halt when there’s a knock on my door. When I don’t answer, Tatum lets herself in with her key. Charlie trails close behind her.
Tatum scrunches her nose. “What’s that smell?”
I glance around my living room. A couple of empty take-out containers and dirty dishes collect on the floor next to the couch and end table. “I don’t smell anything.”
“Oh God. You’re used to it.” Tatum storms past me and Charlie shrugs as she follows along. Tatum throws open a window to let in some fresh air while I curl up on the couch and cover myself, including my head, with a blanket.
“What are you doing?” Tatum rips the blanket off me.
“Hey! I’m wallowing.”
“It’s been two days of you ignoring us and living in this filth. This isn’t like you.” Tatum glares down at me with a hand on her hip.
Charlie exits the room and a few minutes later returns with a garbage bag and collects all the trash. “This is your one pass. In fact, you get five more minutes, then you’re taking a shower and telling us what’s going on.”
True to her word, Charlie gives me exactly five minutes before she’s gripping my wrists and tugging me off the couch.
“I’m up. I’m up,” I whine. “When did you get so strong? Is Bennett having you bench pressing two by fours?” She narrows her eyes and pushes me out of the living room. Sluggishly, I climb the stairs until I reach the bathroom attached to my bedroom. Stripping out of my clothes, I turn on the water. Before it warms up, I step into the spray. It’s only then I let everything go. Tears run down my cheeks, blending in with the water pouring down on me. I’ve kept every guy at arm’s length. Every single one. Except Ledger. He’s been the only one who’s sparked joy in my life. Marie Kondo type of joy. There is something about him I need. Desire. Crave.
Once all my tears dry up, I squirt some coconut shampoo into my hand and run it through my hair. The suds run down my legs and wash away into the drain. When I finish, I step out and dry off. I find a pair of yoga pants and like it’s second nature, one of Ledger’s old shirts I borrowed…or stole. After tugging it on, I finger comb my hair before throwing it up into a messy bun on the top of my head. When I descend the stairs, my living room no longer looks like a garbage can threw up. A vanilla cupcake scented candle is lit on the coffee table masking the previous stench.
Tatum pats the couch cushion next to her. “Now that you look a little more human, sit. Tell us what happened.”
I take a seat between Tatum and Charlie. “Thanks for cleaning.” I glance between my two friends.
“Something had to be done. Now, what happened?” Charlie rests a hand on my arm.
“Where do I start?” I blow out a long breath. “I met Ledger’s ex.”
