Page 76 of Timber's Line

“That’s not hurting me. That’s causing me pain and grief. At one time, I wanted to end my life because I thought I ruined your career. I felt so bad. If Sal hadn’t given me a second chance, I probably would have drunk myself to death to stop the screaming in my head. Your screams. Yet here you are, still ruining everything.”

“I’m sorry,” she says.

“You’re sorry? I’ve been saying that to you since everything happened, and you threw it in my face.”

“I know.”

“Now, when I find some calm, you’re here fucking it up. I loved you so much. I wanted to marry you.” I slump down on the bed.

“You did?”

“Yes, I did. I had the ring already.”

“I didn’t know.”

“Nobody did. When I needed you the most, you wrote a letter and dismissed me like we had nothing.”

“I know.”

“Oh good, you know, but yet you’re here. Are we doing some mean girl shit and trying to cockblock Timber?”

“No. I just wanted to tell you that I will always love you, but if you are happy with her, then hold on to it.”

I stare at her like she’s grown two heads. She wrote me off, and now she’s here telling me she loves me but to hold on to Timber?

“After today, she probably won’t speak to me.”

“Want me to talk to her?”

“You’ve done enough. I’m confused and tired.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know or I wouldn’t have come.”

“It’s fine. Everyone is going to want to kick my ass anyway when they see you’re here.”

She smiles sadly. Fuck, my life sucks.

“I’m going to bed.” I slip out of my clothes and crawl under the covers.

“Can I share?”

“Whatever.” She joins me, and I’m so fucked right now. I might as well go back to Snow because I’m not going to get Timber.

I was right. Timber hardly glances my way at breakfast. She sits with Rome and Silas, and I could hear her sweet laugh.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Memphis is pissed.

“We didn’t do anything. I didn’t know he found someone,” Snow whispers.

“You two need to figure out your shit. She’s in love with Dayton, and now she’s broken hearted.” Ever hisses, “I’m sure, like the rest of us, she thinks you slept together.”

“We didn’t. I told him the truth about my dancing and told him to hold on to her if he cares about her.”

This is so fucked.

“We’re heading out to Mason’s for the next task. You want to come with, Snow?” Ever asks her, and she nods.

Mason has lawn games and a grill set up, and Memphis is turning burgers.