Page 108 of Pretend You Love Me

“Did you set all the rules with him like you did with me? Can’t go around breaking hearts left and right.”

“You’re being really cruel.”

He leans in closer and says with a low voice, “Will you bend over for him in the shower tonight? Take him in your mouth in the kitchen? Scream out his name when his head is buried between your thighs?”

It feels like he’s slapped me across the face. I rush over to the greenery and throw up. He just stands back on the sidewalk and watches me. When I finish, I wipe my mouth with my hand. I’m unsteady on my feet. I need to get out of here.

Kip’s face softens just slightly. He opens his mouth to say something.

“Just leave.” I point at the restaurant. “Return to your little meeting and leave me the hell alone.”

We both stare at each other for a moment, rage passing back and forth from each other’s eyes.

“Fine,” he grumbles.

I don’t say a word and just watch him walk back into the restaurant. As soon as he’s gone, I burst into tears.

Chapter Thirty-One

Brooklyn

“Why do you look so gloomy? It’s Thanksgiving. You love Thanksgiving.” Declan puts his arm around my shoulder and squeezes. He, Eli, and Keene are wearing ridiculous turkey hats. It’s hard to stay grouchy when they look like such complete idiots.

“Oh god, she’s upset because we didn’t get her a hat,” Keene says.

Eli holds up another hat and smiles. “But we did!”

He puts it on my head. I’m trying not to smile, but I just can’t help it.

“It looks amazing.” Keene claps his hands together.

“Truly,” Declan says. “You belong in a museum.”

“Me? My whole person?”

“Well, like a sculpture or painting of you. It would get pretty boring if you had to stay in a museum for the rest of your life.”

“That’s true,” Keene adds.

“Seriously though, you look rough,” Declan whispers. “What’s up with you?’

I haven’t felt well in ages. I’m depressed. I’m not sleeping. The sleep I’m getting is restless and full of nightmares.

“I’m not sleeping well.” I run my hands over my face.

“What can we do?” Eli asks.

I give him a sad smile. I love them so much, but sometimes there’s nothing anyone can do. Some things can’t be fixed.

“Maybe you need to see a therapist?” Eli suggests. “You went through a lot with your stepdad.”

Declan agrees, “That’s some really traumatic stuff.”

I close my eyes for a moment and see a bullet ripping through Daryl’s neck, blood spraying everywhere. I see it every time I close my eyes.

“Yeah. I should. I’ll make an appointment with someone.”

Declan squeezes me tighter. “That’s a good plan.”