Total pages in book: 157
Estimated words: 149510 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 748(@200wpm)___ 598(@250wpm)___ 498(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 149510 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 748(@200wpm)___ 598(@250wpm)___ 498(@300wpm)
Has he always been this way, and I just wasn’t letting myself see it? Or has he really changed into someone I don’t even recognize?
I let myself think of high school and the way things used to be. “He wasn’t like this,” I hedge carefully when the barrage of everything our relationship used to be makes me feel a little less crazy. I don’t want to defend him now—his behavior is unacceptable—but once upon a time, I loved Dane for a reason. “I know most people say that because they were ignoring the red flags, but I swear, for the first year we dated, our junior year, he was so patient and kind. He brought me flowers to school every day, even when his mom had to take him to get them because he hadn’t gotten his license yet, and he liked that I applied myself in my classes. He used to joke that he was going to be a house husband while I ran the world.” I shake my head as fresh tears form in the corners of my eyes and threaten to fall. “I don’t know what happened.”
Kayla shrugs in front of me, grabbing my knee and squeezing. “You outgrew him, and I think he knows that.”
Julia nods. “If he belittles you, he thinks it’ll make you slow down. But Scottie, you don’t deserve to slow down for anybody. The right guy’ll ride a rocket to the moon if you’re inside it, you know?”
I nod. They’re right. And I know it. I just can’t believe it all had to happen this way.
“You guys, I’m going to be okay.” I stand from my spot on the steps and brush off the back of my dress. “You can go back to the party.”
“Are you sure?” Kayla asks, standing up in front of me and dabbing at the mess on my face one more time.
I nod.
But Julia eyes me with concern.
“I promise. I’m okay,” I say, my words only a little more resolute than I’m feeling. “It’s time for the whole thing with Dane to come to an end. I’m tired of trying to find a way to fix him. I’m tired of giving him the benefit of the doubt. I’m just…tired. But no conversation is going to happen tonight, so for now, I just need to climb under my covers and rest.”
A girl should feel safe and protected and loved by her boyfriend. Not like she’s walking on eggshells all the time out of fear she’s going to do or say something that will upset him.
“He’s an asshole,” I say out loud. Kayla’s and Julia’s eyes go wide, but they also both nod. “No matter who he used to be, now, he’s, like, a really huge asshole,” I add. “The other night, I was scrolling through TikTok, and this girl on my FYP was talking about how her ex was a narcissist, and everything she was describing is exactly what Dane does to me. Do you think he’s a narcissist?”
“Girl, I’m certain he is,” Kayla comments without hesitation. “He’s always gaslighting you. Always doing whatever he can to make you feel bad. He’s a dick. A total fucking dick. And with the way he acted tonight, it honestly makes me worried for you.”
“Do you think the same thing?” I look at Julia. “I mean, this was the first time you met him…”
Julia nods. “My dad is like the chillest, most understanding guy on the planet, but if he found out a guy I was dating was treating me like that, I honestly think he’d end up in prison on murder charges.”
“So, it’s just as bad as I think it is.” I cringe. “Good thing you’re dating a guy like Ace. He seems like a real character, but also, a total sweetheart.”
“Oh, hell no.” Julia laughs. “I’m not dating Ace. He’s legit just a friend.”
“What?” Kayla whips her head toward Julia. “Seriously?”
“I’ve known Ace my whole life. We’re just friends.”
“Are you sure?” Kayla questions. “Because I thought you two were together.”
“Holy moly! Yes, I’m sure!” Julia exclaims on another laugh. “Ace and I aren’t like that. We’re just good buddies.”
Both Kayla and I share a look, and Julia doesn’t miss it.
“Stop it right now,” she says through a snort. “We are just friends. Period. End of story.”
“Okay.” Kayla grins. “You’re just friends. But when you end up marrying him, I’m going to remind you of this conversation.”
Julia snorts. “You’re insane.”
A yawn makes my mouth gape and my cheeks shake, and Kayla gives my shoulders a squeeze. “You sure you don’t want us to hang out with you tonight?”
“I’m positive.” I pull her in for a hug. Then, I do the same to Julia. “You guys are the best. Thank you for taking care of me. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Oh wait!” Julia says and pulls out her phone. “I need your digits, girl.”