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“I did it because I could,” he said. “I don’t know what else to tell you. I’m a selfish person. I take what I want, and I wanted you.”
To add insult to injury, I discovered Jim was leading a picture-perfect life. He was married, had bought a house, and was planning a family. He was enjoying the kind of happiness I couldn’t seem to find. It wasn’t right.
Jim was a monster hiding in plain sight, and I wanted to expose him. He didn’t deserve to be happy and carefree. People needed to know the kind of person he really was. He needed to pay for his sins.
I knew what needed to be done.
32
Spencer
The streetlight I’m parked next to comes on, my time for debating what to do is coming to an end. I’ve been sitting outside of Cat’s house for close to an hour, trying to get the courage to go knock on her door. Praying the right words will come to me.
When I told Lori I loved her, and she said, “not yet,” I knew Cat was a big part of what’s holding her back. It’s time to have this conversation with Cat. Past time, really. But my first attempt had been such a disaster, I’ve been terrified to try again. The last thing I want is to make things worse.
My eyes move to the driveway again, eyeing the unfamiliar car with the Florida State University license plate. It’s his, Lawrence, I know it. The only time Cat pays attention to sports is when FSU is playing. And now I know why.
I get out of my truck and head toward her front door. It’s funny how something you’ve done so many times before can feel like the first time once your perspective has changed. By the time I get to her door, my back is covered in sweat even though it’s a perfect fall night.
The sound of their laughter travels outside, and my raised hand hesitates. It hadn’t been my intention to interrupt her time with Lawrence, but I think it could work to my advantage. My fist connects with the door, and Cat’s house goes quiet. After a moment, I hear movement and I knock again.
The door swings open, and Cat’s eyes widen as they land on me. “Spencer? What are you doing here?”
“We need to talk.”
Her cheeks turn a deep red as she steps onto the porch, closing the door behind her. “I’m not sure what you could possibly have to say, but you’re here, so…” She gestures for me to speak, then crosses her arms.
My hands run through my hair, and I rock back on the balls of my feet. “It’s time for you to fix things with Lori. Enough is enough.” My nerves cause my words to come out much harsher than I had intended, and I let out a puff of breath before I start again. “She’s been your best friend since you were young, are you really going to let this ruin your friendship?”
“This?” She scoffs, waving her arms before crossing them again. “You mean my boyfriend and best friend making a fool of me?”
My jaw tics as I shake my head. “That isn’t what happened, and you know it. The situation could’ve been handled better, but we never did anything to intentionally hurt you. We both care about you very much.”
She throws her head back looking up at the sky before her narrowed eyes land on me again. “So, what? You’re a we now?”
I tug at my beard, rubbing my lips together to keep myself from saying anything unhelpful to my cause. “Can we please not do this, Cat? I came here because I want to make things right between you and Lori.”
She huffs out a laugh. “What makes you think you can?”
My head falls as I sigh, and I rub my thumb and forefinger over my forehead. When my head lifts again, I meet her gaze. “Lori doesn’t believe she’s worth loving. Do you realize that?” Cat’s body stiffens, her face paling, and I know I’m starting to get through to her. “That’s why she pushed me away in the first place. Then you came along, and she put your happiness above her own. Now, I’m asking you to put her first. I’m asking you to give me a chance to show her she’s worthy.”
Her lips press into a hard line as she dabs the moisture out of her eyes. “So, basically, this isn’t about you wanting to fix my friendship with Lori, it’s still about you wanting permission for the two of you to ride off into the sunset together?”
Biting my lip, I shake my head, unsure what else to say, until I hear movement inside again. “Is he in there?” I point to the door behind her. “Lawrence? That’s his car in the driveway, isn’t it?” Her cheeks flush, her lips pressing into a thin line. “You don’t have to hide that from me. It’s okay. When you love someone, you want them to be happy. And despite what you think, I do love you.” Cat’s entire demeanor transforms, everything about her softening at my words. “If he’s the person who makes you happy, that’s who you should be with. All I’m asking is for you to consider allowing Lori to decide what makes her happy without the guilt.” She blinks at me, her forehead creased. “I’m going to go, but I want you to know I’m in love with her. And I think she might be in love with me too, but she’s holding back because of you. Please, make this right.”
When my plea is met with more silence, my shoulders fall, and I turn to head back to my truck. I’ve officially done everything possible to mend things between Cat and Lori. Now, I can only hope for the best.
33
Lori
Sunday morning, the sound of my doorbell ringing wakes me. Cursing, I reach for my phone to check the time. It’s only eight, and I can’t imagine what would be so important it couldn’t wait until a decent hour.
The chime echoes again as I roll out of bed, and my stomach flutters at the thought that it could be Spencer. We’ve kind of been avoiding the elephant in the room since he told me he loved me. He hasn’t said it again, and I’m not sure whether I’m relieved or disappointed.
Even though I addressed the Paul situation the best I could, there’s still a giant black cloud hanging over our relationship—one casting a shadow over every emotion or feeling I may have for Spencer. Her name is Cat.
Slipping on my robe, I check my reflection in the mirror and try to smooth down my hair. When I step into the hallway, there’s a knock on the door.
