Page 49 of The Wrong Game

And here it was, three hours later, and I felt like I’d died and come back as a zombie.

Carlo’s eyes from my dream were still as vivid as if he were there with me when I sat up on the couch, looking around my empty condo. It was hard to believe it was mine. I still remembered buying it, the papers signed and everything in motion before I’d even driven home with the intention of telling Carlo I knew what he was doing.

I had a plan. I had set everything in motion. I had the proof to show him, the words to say to him, and a place to go once I’d gotten all of that out. I was going to move on. I was going to be okay.

But he spoke first that day, and my plan went up in flames.

Sometimes I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that I lived here — or anywhere — alone. Other times, it seemed impossible to believe that I’d woken up in a little house with him one year ago, thinking everything in my life was fine.

With my cell phone still in my hand, I padded over to the kitchen, pouring a cold glass of water from my fridge. I drained half of it before unlocking my phone, deciding to read Zach’s text first.

- Hey Finger Guns, you free tonight? Could use some back up down at Doc’s Bar, what with it being Monday night football and all. Plus, I know you need somewhere to scream at the Packers with like-minded people. -

I smiled, just like I did every time he texted me. I hated that I smiled, because there were about a million neon signs hanging above Zach’s head, warning me to steer clear. He was just the kind of guy I could fall for, the kind I could let in, get close to.

And he was just the kind of guy who could make you swoon and sigh as he told you lies, making you believe he meant the words he said.

Still, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the comfort I felt when I was with him. Even when he infuriated me, showing up at that game in the seat next to mine, he still somehow managed to make me feel safe when he was around.

I couldn’t remember the last time anyone made me feel that way.

And the lastpersonwho did proved why I should never trust that feeling.

Carlo had been easy to trust. He had been careful with my heart. He proved time and time again that I had no reason to worry, that I could relax, that I could feel safe with him.

And then, he betrayed me.

That’swhy you never trust your heart, even when you think it’s safe.

- Sorry, the guns are out of commission tonight. Enjoy the game. Go Bears! -

The little dots were already bouncing on the screen, indicating Zach was typing back, but I closed the text and pulled up Belle’s missed call. When I hit the green button to call her back, she answered before the first ring even finished.

“What the hell, woman?” She huffed. “You told me to be ready by five, and here I am, all dolled up waiting on you like my period.”

“I’m sorry, I took a nap and…” I groaned as another rip of pain zinged through my head. “Let’s just say I died a little in the process.”

“Oof,” she said sympathetically. “That kind of nap, huh? Did you forget what day it was?”

“More like what year.”

I rummaged through my purse on the counter for some ibuprofen, knocking two pills back and chasing them with a shot of water.

“Sorry, but I’m bailing on tonight. As crazy as it sounds, I think I could just go back to sleep if I tried.”

“Um, you absolutely willnotdo that,” Belle said. “I have makeup on. And I re-curled my hair. I’m even wearing your stupid team’s colors, for Christ’s sake.”

“You’re wearing orange?” I asked. “Oh, my God. You really do love me.”

“Calm down, I’m not that crazy,” she said quickly. “But I am wearing navy blue and white, which is close enough.”

“I’m sorry, I’ll owe you one. I just don’t feel like going out right now.”

Belle paused. “What happened? Did you have another nightmare?”

I swallowed, and when I didn’t respond, there was a heavy sigh on the other end.

“Oh, sweetie…”