Page 26

My hands go clammy, and a cold sweat breaks out at my hairline. Even so, I mouth thank you before I turn on my heel and quietly head outside.

I need some fresh air.

Outside the restaurant, I find a bench that employees probably use for their breaks. Thankfully, it’s empty. I slump onto it, hiding my face in my hands.

I don’t want to cry anymore.

This ache in my heart makes it impossible to take a full breath. My lungs burn like I’m underwater. Words hurt so much more than physical pain. Always.

“Hey.”

I jolt upright, my breath catching as Jess approaches. The look on her face brings tears to my eyes. Her pity is even worse than Audrey’s hatred.

“Can I join you?”

“Hey. Yeah…it’s not like it’s my bench,” I mutter.

She chuckles. “Yours or not, it would be rude to sit beside you without asking.” She slowly lowers herself onto the bench beside me.

“Thanks.” I avert my gaze, wiping tears from my eyes.

“How much did you hear?”

“Enough. You were asking her about my family when I got there.”

“I’m so sorry, honestly. Audrey has always been a little crazy about Alex, way too overprotective.

She’s jealous of you, and it’s making her totally brainless.

” Jess leans back against the bench and tucks her red curls behind her ears.

“She thinks if you two break up, she’ll get all his attention.

It’s an illusion. If Alex ever loved that Stacey girl the way he loves you, Audrey would hate her too. She’s acting like a brat.”

“I know what she thinks of me. She’s made it pretty clear.” I shrug. “I’m sure she’ll be happy once I’m in New York. At least I won’t be around that much.”

And maybe all her scheming will pay off, and Xander will get back together?—

“New York?”

“Uh-huh. Remember when we talked about interior design school?”

Jess nods, the corner of her mouth creeping up.

“I got accepted to a program in New York. It starts in September.” I give her a small smile. “I’m still looking for an apartment, and I’m helping Ben find my replacement.” The pit in my stomach opens wider. I still have so much to do before I leave.

“I can help.” A smile lights up her face. “With finding an apartment.”

I frown at her. “How?” It’s too good to be true.

“My company has an office in New York. I’m there on occasion, and I know a guy who manages a few buildings.” She moves closer, beaming like a naughty kid. “I’ll check with him, see what he’s got available. I can give you his number so you two can discuss all the details. How does that sound?”

“Like a fairy tale.” I laugh. For the first time since Xander brought up Stacey this morning, I feel a glimmer of hope.

“Cool.” Jess winks. “And while we’re at it, let’s exchange numbers.”

“One second.” I dig my phone out of my purse and realize I have five missed calls from Xander.

Jess and I sit outside for another fifteen minutes, talking about her job and my upcoming studies. I can only imagine she wants to return to the party, but I’m grateful she took the time to cheer me up.

When we head back inside, I’m calm and relaxed.

“I’ll let you know when I’ll be in New York again. And please, call me whenever you want. Or text me.” Jess nudges me with her shoulder as we step inside the crowded restaurant. “About anything, not just the apartment.”

“Thank you, Jess, really,” I say, raising my voice over the chatter and upbeat music.

Xander storms our way, his face a mask of concern. Stacey is right behind him, though she’s wearing an annoyed pout. The pang in my chest at the sight of her douses the calmness I’d hoped to cling to.

What if Audrey’s right about the two of them?

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” He stops in front of me and takes my hands in his.

“Hi, Alex,” Jess says from my side.

He nods, a tight smile on his lips. “Hey.”

“You had this guy worried, Isabella.” Stacey’s voice is sugary-sweet, but the slight crease between her eyebrows makes me think she’s unhappy that he’s been searching for me.

She steps up beside him, her shoulder brushing his.

Though my hackles raise, I keep my expression neutral. “Jess and I were out front, talking.”

“Alex thought you left,” Stacey says. “But I told him you wouldn’t have. It’s Audrey’s party, and it’s?—”

“I’ll talk to you later.” Jess gives my elbow a gentle squeeze before she leaves.

Xander, who’s still holding my hands, tugs me to a nearby table and guides me into a chair. To my displeasure, Stacey sits on his other side.

This party is going to be the death of me, isn’t it?

“No, take it back.” Stacey laughs with her head thrown back. She puts her hand on Xander’s arm, her thumb drawing circles over his sleeve. “You don’t mean it.”

He chuckles. “The best Guy Ritchie movie is Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels .”

“No!” she practically shouts, her face lit up. “Haven’t you seen Sherlock Holmes ? The first one was phenomenal.”

“I love it too, but my opinion won’t change.” He sips on his drink and leans back in his chair. “Bella knows it’s my favorite.”

Oh, you finally remembered I exist? That’s what I want to say. Instead, I bite my tongue and simply nod.

“I shouldn’t be surprised.” Stacey shrugs, her focus still fixed on him. “Your taste in some things could be considered questionable.”

The pit in my stomach widens, and I frown. Is that a dig at me?

“Questionable?” he barks. “Isn’t your favorite TV show The Office ?”

“Don’t you dare, Alex.” She grabs his wrist this time, her fingers pressing against his skin.

I narrow my eyes at the contact. Seriously? Why can’t she stop touching him?

They’ve been chatting about their favorite movies and reminiscing about the ones they watched together for the last forty minutes.

Xander’s comment a moment ago was the first time he’s acknowledged me since they got onto the topic.

I tried to join in once, when Stacey went on and on about how The Vampire Diaries went to shit after the first two seasons.

She looked at me for a moment, then continued her monologue.

The more they talk, the heavier my heart feels.

The way she touches him is not okay. What’s worse is how he never tries to stop her.

He never even shifts to hint she’s crossing a line.

Their conversation is light and easy and, I hate to admit, flirty.

The flirtation is mostly on her side, yes, but he’s playing along.

All those smiles, the bright eyes, the laughter.

I’m the third wheel.

What did I expect? He went through hell because of me. His sister wants me gone. And with Stacey…he’s relaxed. Happy.

I’ve been worried about how moving to New York will affect our relationship, but the truth is, after all we’ve been through, our relationship has changed.

Now, Audrey will certainly continue to manipulate him, and when I’m not around, Stacey will be.

If this conversation is any indication, she’s into him. So what am I even hoping for?

Maybe I’m better off putting us both out of our misery.

Stacey is a constant reminder of everything I’m not.

Xander admires her strength and her confidence, all while stifling my attempts to stand up for myself.

If I leave, Stacey will be here to help him move on.

They were happy together once, and they clearly still enjoy one another.

Who knows what would’ve happened if not for Jake?

There’s one thing I know for certain: I don’t want to live with regret. I have to go to New York, and I can’t revert back to my old ways. I won’t stay hidden in my shell. I want to take full breaths for once, and in this environment, that won’t be possible.

A breakup is exactly what we need. Both of us. It’ll be for the best.

We are a perfect match, and if we stay together, we’re guaranteed to burn.