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Ryan’s face goes white. “Shit, I didn’t get you a corsage. Fuck! I knew I forgot something. I am so sorry, Kat.” He places his head in his hands, ashamed and flustered.
“It’s okay,” I tremble as I put on his white rose corsage, trying not to let my face show my disappointment. I’m sure he’ll make it up to me at some point. Ryan is always thinking of me, and tonight we’re both nervous. It’s fine.
“I promise I’ll make it right, Kat. God, I’m such an asshole. I’m so sorry.” Ryan takes both my hands in his.
“No, it’s okay. No need to make it right. We’re here now and we can enjoy ourselves.” I shake my head, giving him a nervous smile. “Ready to go in?” I need to change the subject. Ryan smiles at me and nods. He holds out his arm for me to take. We walk towards the hotel and soon enter the ballroom.
About an hour into prom, and I excuse myself to go to the ladies’ room. Once I freshen up and check my dress to make sure everything is where it should be, I head back to the ballroom. When I return, I can’t find Ryan. Immediately, a sinking feeling hits me. This feels like homecoming all over again. No, it can’t be. That’s the past.
Walking around, I finally spot him talking to Becky, one of the queens of this school who has made my life a living hell. I walk over to him to figure out what is going on when suddenly he leans down and kisses her. Not like a peck on the cheek type of kiss. It’s not an innocent kiss. This is a passionate kiss.
Halting in my tracks, I feel my chest tighten. Becky spots me, and she and Ryan come over holding hands. My eyes go wide with fear.
“Hey Kat. Have you met my boyfriend, Ryan? Oh, wait, you have. Well, we’ve been together for quite some time. Sorry about that. I know you thought he was your friend these past few weeks and that he liked you. Yeah, also sorry for that little joke too. We just didn’t want you leaving here without one last shenanigan for old time’s sake.” She looks up at Ryan.
“They didn’t think I could get you here. Apparently, you didn’t go to a lot of dances after homecoming a couple of years ago, which I heard all about! Sounded fun. Seems like I owe you a big thanks, though. We won a lot of money tonight.” Ryan points between Becky and himself. He takes off the corsage and throws it on the ground. Becky reaches in her purse and pulls out one that matches hers, a red rose, before pinning it on his suit.
“Look, no hard feelings. It was for a bet. But thanks for trusting in me to tell me all those things. I had incredible stories to tell everyone. They really enjoyed reliving all of their antics. They had a great time hearing how much they affected you.” Ryan laughs and then leans in to kiss Becky.
That is when my breath leaves me. My hands start to shake, and I become dizzy. A crowd forms around me, and I start to hyperventilate. I feel cold, but I can feel sweat dripping down my back. My chest hurts. I fall to my knees, then everything goes black.
That night was hell for me. I ended up at the hospital. My blood pressure was dangerously low, according to the paramedics when they got to me. My panic attack and low blood pressure had led to my fainting.
I never went back to school. My parents fought for me to finish school from home. I took my finals at different times than everyone else. I didn’t even walk. That had been the final straw. With only two weeks to go before summer and the threat of a legal action, the school simply wanted to be done with me. So, they agreed to let me just do everything from home.
It was also the last time I trusted anyone besides Vicki. Trusting her was a monumental task. It took quite a while for me to let her in. But she was also persistent in wanting to break down my walls.
What Bryce did was a thousand times worse. He made me fall in love with him. He held my heart, and he fucking crushed it. Bryce took something from me I can never get back. I’ll never, ever trust anyone again. This officially pushed me over the edge. I’ve reconstructed my walls to keep everyone out. I’ll live by myself for the rest of my life if it means not getting hurt again.
He told me I was his everything. Nothing but lies. In reality, I’m nothing.
Chapter 19
Bryce
Of all days,Valentine’s Day just has to be the day I’m running late. There was a terrible accident on the highway, and they called us to help. I didn’t have time to call or text Kat to let her know, but I’m sure she’ll understand. Kat is always understanding of my job and that we deal with emergencies.
So, when Austin and I return to the station, I immediately head towards my truck and send her a text letting her know that I’m running late and that I’ll be there shortly. The text doesn’t go through. Going through my calls, I click on her name and call her. Right to voicemail. That’s not like her; something isn’t right.
My gut is telling me something is wrong. Trust the gut. Always.
Running to my truck, I jump in and pull out of the lot like a bat out of hell. There is a fear in my stomach that is making me nauseous. I keep trying to call her cell, but it keeps going right to voicemail. I turn my head to her parking space near the apartment and it’s empty.
What the fuck?
I stop at her apartment first. She’s not there. Running up the stairs to my apartment, I hear music coming from my speakers and slow down. Maybe she ran out to get something and her phone died? I put the key in the lock and walk in. I stop dead in my tracks.
“Hey, babes! Look, I made dinner for us!” What the hell did I just step into? I turn around quickly and look to make sure I’m in my apartment. This is my home, but there is no Kat. Emma fucking Lane is standing in my kitchen. My fists clench at my side.
“What the fuck is going on here? What in the fuck are you doing in my home, Emma?” My voice booms over the music.
“Like I said, Bryce. I’m cooking dinner. Oh, also, I moved here officially now. So, you and me can start fresh. My company found me a spot to work here with a sister company of theirs. So, cheers to new beginnings and second chances.” She walks over to hand me a glass of wine.
Ignoring the glass, I glare at her. The rage in me has me vibrating. How the fuck did she get in here? I’m doing all I can to control my anger right now. Normally I’m level-headed and calm, but seeing her in my home? It’s flipping a switch inside me. Rage is all I feel right now.
She goes to put the glass on the table and comes over to try and put her arms around me. I step to the side, avoiding all contact with her. My body feels like it’s about to combust. Taking a deep breath, I control my revulsion for the woman standing in my home.
“First, you’re going to tell me where Kat is. Then, you’re going to get your shit and get the fuck out of my apartment or I will have you arrested for trespassing. Have you forgotten what I do for a living? You know you can’t be here.” My words come out in a growl.