Page 57 of In Too Deep

“What were you and Cat talking about?” Robbie asks as I approach him, his glare filled with even more suspicion and anger than Spencer’s. But then, he was there the first time Cat and I collided. He knows the signs.

Until last Sunday, I honestly didn’t realize how much everything that happened with Cat when we were kids still bothered him. Not that Robbie admitted that out loud, but he didn’t need to. The fact that he did everything he could to keep me away from her, looking pissed anytime we were together, gave him away. I guess that scar runs deep. It was never my intention to hurt him, I never planned on falling in love with Cat, but I suppose that made no difference to him.

If I could go back, I’d be truthful with him from the beginning. Cat and I kept our relationship a secret, believing we were protecting him. In the end, I think that was the biggest betrayal.

The lie.

“She was upset. I was trying to console her.”

Scoffing, he rolls his eyes before stalking off. As I’m about to head back to my seat, I notice Cat walking to the front of the room, Spencer following right behind her. They come to a stop at the table to watch the slideshow and look at the display, Spencer comforting her as she sheds some tears. By the time they turn to make their way back again, an unjustified possessiveness takes over me. Logically, I know I’m the one intruding in their relationship. But logic doesn’t always come into play when it comes to matters of the heart. And there’s only one fact I know to be true right now: he’s the thing standing in my way. Cat is afraid to let him go, but her heart is with me. I saw it in her eyes outside.

With my stare locked on Cat, I block their path, demanding to be acknowledged. Her cheeks flush as she meets my eyes, and I smirk as I cross my arms.

“Hey there, KitKat.”

I don’t bother to glance his way but notice the change in Spencer’s posture, his arm slipping around Cat’s waist. He clearly feels threatened and likely didn’t care much for Cat’s nickname either.

“I talked to your mom earlier. Can you believe she still remembers me after all these years?”

Cat blinks, seemingly coming out of her deer-in-headlights state. “Of course, you were a big part of my life.”

A smile spreads across my face as she continues to study me, and I wonder what she’s thinking right now. It’s like she’s forgotten Spencer is standing next to her. I almost feel sorry for him.

Almost.

Spencer tries to introduce himself to me as her boyfriend, and I fight the urge to cut my eyes at him. The red on Cat’s porcelain skin spreads all the way to the tips of her ears as she finally turns to Spencer. I suppress a laugh, amused as I watch a flustered Cat fumble over her words.

Until she tells Spencer I’m an old friend.

We’ve always been more than friends, even when we weren’t. As for old, just a few days ago she was in my arms. My lips curve into a frown, my eyes narrow as a fury swirls in my belly, but Cat doesn’t meet my gaze again before excusing herself and rushing away.

Catelyn

The scenery out the passenger side window of Spencer’s truck is a blur of nothingness, my mind overloaded from the events of today to the point of numbness. Dave’s service is over, and though I’m relieved I managed to hold myself together the entire time, it’s left me mentally and physically exhausted.

“Do you mind if I don’t go to the dinner at Pam’s with you?” Spencer asks me, bringing me out of my haze.

“No, I understand,” I answer, a warm smile on my face as I turn to give him my attention. “I know you have another early day tomorrow. Honestly, I’m thinking about skipping it too.”

He pulls his eyes back to the road as the light turns green. “It seemed like Caroline really wanted you there.”

He’s right. She practically begged me to come when I mentioned I wasn’t sure we’d be able to attend. My reasons for not wanting to go are selfish. The main one being Lawrence. It isn’t easy being around him and keeping my distance. The more I see him, the harder it will be to let him go.

And I have to.

I sigh. “Yeah, I know. I guess I’ll just suck it up. Maybe I’ll stop to get a large coffee.”

He chuckles as we come to a stop at another red light, his gaze moving back to me. “Do you think that Lawrence guy will be there?”

My body tenses as my pulse begins to race, but I shrug, feigning a calm and casual demeanor. “I have no idea.”

I knew Spencer would have more questions about Lawrence, though I hoped to have more time to prepare what to say. Not that any amount of time would make it easier or right. It’s not as if waiting a month or even a year would make the betrayal hurt less. I’m not sure anything could.

He checks the light before glaring at me with a raised eyebrow. “Are you sure the two of you were just friends? He’s clearly into you.”

The pressure in my chest increases, causing my response to come out in a faded breath. “What?”

The truck begins to move again as he laughs, but it’s not his normal, lighthearted laugh. “Are you telling me you didn’t notice the way he was undressing you with his eyes?”

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