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“No, I refuse to believe it.”
I refuse to live in a world in which she doesn’t exist.
She doesn’t have to be mine. I can live with that. But she has tobe.
“Damn, I lost you there for a moment.” Grace looks from Jade to me and back. “Is everything okay?”
“Peachy.” Jade crosses her arms over her chest. “Prescott was just leaving.”
“Prescott is just driving you home.” I pull open the door. “Get in.”
Jade’s eyes narrow on me, and for a second, I think she might try to slap me, but before she can do it, Grace says: “Let’s just let him take us home. It’s late.”
Jade clenches her jaw, that fire burning bright in her eyes. “Fine.”
She sways a little as she turns on the balls of her feet, but before I can try and catch her, she’s inside the car and pulling the door closed, almost slamming my fingers in the process.
Grace lets out a sigh, “That went well.”
I look up, my eyes narrowing on her.
“What? It did.” Grace shrugs and makes her way to the back seat. “I didn’t expect her to give in this easily. She’s been all over the place since… Well, since she told us.”
It made sense. When your life is spiraling out from under you, the only thing you want is to have some control, which usually leads to making some pretty bad decisions. I should know firsthand, since I’m a master of making bad decisions.
With a shake of my head, I follow after Grace and slip into my car. My leg still hurts like a bitch, but the pain meds will have to wait until Jade is safe in her apartment.
“You shouldn’t be doing this,” I say as I start the car and check my rearview mirror as I slowly start maneuvering between the cars. “You’ll need all your strength once you start your treatment.”
“Well, your opinion hardly matters, hotshot,” Jade murmurs, her head touching the window. “Want it or not, I’m dying.”
My hands tighten around the steering wheel. “Did you go to your doctor?”
She huffs, “Now you sound just like Nixon.”
“I’m sure your brother will be happy to hear that.” There is a beat of silence as I wait for her to tell me something,anything, but there is nothing. “So? Did you?”
“I did. They told me exactly what I told you. I’m dying. Although I’m not sure why you care, you’ve left before, and you’ll leave again.”
I press my lips in a tight line. She’s right. There is no denying it. I left. Nothing else was an option, not at that moment. Not when the idea of the past repeating itself was right in front of me.
“Everybody leaves,” she continues, her voice softer. “One way or the other, everybody leaves. There is no stopping it from happening.”
No, there wasn’t. We both knew it better than most. Some people have left of their own violation; others who want to stay are ripped from you against their will.
“That’s why I promised I’d never fall in love again. The only thing it ever brings you is heartache. Want to know something?” I open my mouth, but before I can utter a word, she continues without waiting for a reply. “I went and did it anyway. Not that it matters. You’ll leave anyway, and I can’t even blame you. Two sides of the same coin. That’s what we are. You and me, Prescott, we’re broken. Damaged goods.”
My mouth falls open, but no words come out.
That’s why I promised I’d never fall in love again. The only thing it ever brings you is heartache.
I went and did it anyway.
I’m pretty sure Jade just told me she loves me, but I’m completely speechless.
What does one say to something like this, anyhow?
If I were a different man, a less damaged man, I’d say it back. I’d do whatever she needed of me. But I’m not a different man.
