Page 92 of Word to the Wise

“I emailed the owner and suggested it, but that’s the best I can do.” I sigh. “Otherwise, there’s not really much that can kill the deal. No matter how terrible of an article I write, it’s all going to be white noise if they throw enough money at it. Residents can complain all they want. If it’s going to make the city money, they’ll get their permit approved.”

“Well, let’s hope the owner hears you then.”

Somewhere along the line, this building became a representation of my fight for freedom. I don’t care about Carter’s money or our apartment. I don’t want anything I left behind. But I do want to stand on my own two legs and find my voice again.

I’m no longer hiding behind the fear. Carter uses his influence to his advantage in every relationship—to hurt me and to dismantle historic buildings.

I’ll make sure he can’t do that any longer.

The fate of this one building might not impact me personally, but it’s my mission to set it free from him just like I’m doing for myself.

Or, at least, as I’m trying to do.

I briefly opened my emails to send a message to the owner of the building, and I saw Carter had once again found my new email address. Every time I try to change it, he figures it out.

His messages this time trail back to the day he trapped me in the alley outside of Twisted Roses. He’s not giving up, and I don’t know what he’s fighting for anymore.

By the time I ran from him, he was beating me so frequently there were barely any good days between the bad ones. He doesn’t like me. It’s all a game of power and possession. Maybe it’s that his ego took a hit, or that he’s frustrated I’m not doing what he’s telling me to. But he isn’t holding on for love. And somehow, that’s even more terrifying.

I glance over at Mason, thinking about what he said. He’s the opposite of Carter, handing me himself without any expectations. And I keep taking him up on it, no matter who it hurts in the end.

The smart move would be to walk away before I leave us both in shambles. If only I could do it.

When we were in Vegas, I considered taking Sage up on his offer. But every time I do, it draws out that familiar ache in my chest. I’ve spent so many mornings waking up alone, and with Carter that was a comfort because I rarely had the strength to face him. But with Mason, I want to blink my eyes open and see his face.

With Mason, I wake up with a reason to leave my bed and start the day. With him, I’m met with his smile, and care, and a breakfast I probably don’t deserve. And even on days he has early morning appointments, he leaves anote in that same spot on the fridge, with a plate inside to make sure I don’t forget to eat that day.

Consistency.

Comfort.

Are my feelings for Mason a crutch or am I falling?

I shake that thought from my head. It’s ridiculous. I just got out of a six-year relationship. If there was ever a time for my heart and my head to battle it out, now isn’t that moment.

The noise of the city slowly fills the car, and the scenery changes as we enter LA. There’s nothing pretty about this place, no matter what Hollywood wants people to think. The shine wears off when you’ve lived here for a few years.

Still, it’s home, and my body relaxes at being back here.

“I think I’m going to sell the house.” Mason cuts through the silence.

Glancing over at him, I see he’s watching the road. And his admission feels like another loss I’m about to face.

I force a smile anyway. “It makes sense if you don’t plan on ever moving back there.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought.” He taps the steering wheel. “Plus, then it’ll free up some funds to get my own place in LA.”

His own place.

I shouldn’t be surprised when I’m not actually offering him anything. Still, it’s a little kick in the chest with all we’ve shared.

“If space is the issue, I can talk to my brother.”

“No.” He squeezes my thigh. “That’s not what I’m saying. I’ve just been one foot in and one foot out for a while. I moved here without actuallymovinghere, if that makes sense.”

“It does.”

“I’m not going back to Vegas. There’s nothing but bad memories in that place. It’s time for me to actually put down roots.”