Page 58 of The Pact

I lock up the studio and notice that her white Lexus is still in the parking lot. She’s doing something on her phone when she glances up and sees me.

She rolls down her window as I walk up.

“I saw your client leave. What happened?”

I groan internally at having to share my unpreparedness with her. “My camera battery wasn’t charged, I didn’t have extras, and I didn’t bring my charger. I told her I’d do a complimentary shoot whenever she wants.” There’s no point in hiding any of it.

“Thea, that’s unacceptable. Things like this can be detrimental to our business. Our actions can affect each other. It’s up to each of us to make sure that we’re doing two hundred percent, especially since we’ve just opened. We can’t risk our business being bad mouthed.” Her lecture makes me feel small. Not everyone is like her—organized and on top of things at all times.

Cass usually offers me a little more leniency, although between missing the appointment with the realtor and this, it seems she doesn’t have any to spare.

“Forgetting to lock the studio doors, the issue with your truck, now this. What is going on? This isn’t like you.” Great, the studio doors again. I can’t even refute her because I likely forgot to lock my truck and look where that got me.

Despite taking accountability for my failures, a rare flare of anger ignites inside of me. I bite out, “Cass, you’ve always known I’m a forgetful person. I’m not as put together as you. You can’t hold me to that standard,” I finish weakly. I’ve never talked to her like this and remorse hits almost immediately. “I’m sorry,” I add, defeated. “I’ll work on it. I don’t want our business or our friendship to suffer because of this.”

My words seem to soften her. “I’m not trying to be hard on you. I… I want us to succeed. I don’t want to depend on my parents for the rest of my life.” It’s difficult to understand where she’s coming from, although I try.

I could only dream of having my parent’s support as a major problem in life. Jealousy rises up, but I stuff it back down. It’s not her fault that she comes from the kind of family I’ve always wanted.

“We’ll be successful. I know it,” I assure her. It’s all I can think of to say to her.

We leave on kinder goodbyes. Still, I feel there’s some tension there only time will resolve.

This has been a week from hell. I need a distraction tonight. I pull out my phone and dial Cole’s number.

“Can you pick me up?”

I’m pacing in Cole’s kitchen. I have been for the last ten minutes. There’s too much on my mind—I can’t reconcile any of it. Cole picked me up at home after he finished closing up at work. The drive was silent and now I’m working out my aggression on his floor.

“Drink this,” Damian orders, handing me a glass filled to the brim with red wine. I don’t fight him—taking a long gulp. He backs away slowly.

“Need to talk about it?” Sutton asks, perched on the countertop.

“No.” It comes out clipped. I’m still not happy with him. His lying hurt the worst. I take another long pull of the wine. “It’s like as soon as one thing gets better, another thing goes wrong. I open my dream business, my ex comes back into town. I meet a nice guy, the town gossips in my face. Business picks up. Then my parents set the record for being the biggest assholes I know, aside from Gavin. Then the good stuff stops happening and the bad shit keeps coming. My truck, the calendar mix up, Cassie getting upset with me.” I polish off the rest of the glass.

It isn’t until the words are out of my mouth that I realize I’ve likely insulted Cole’s brothers. They’re supposed to be part of the good things, right? I rub my temples. “Sorry, I’m just frustrated.”

I want to cry from the buildup of emotions, yet I can’t do that in front of them.

Damian refills my glass. “Don’t apologize. You have every right to be upset.” I meet his eyes and find a surprising amount of compassion in them. I don’t know what to do with that.

The edges of my mind begin to feel fuzzy. When was the last time I ate? I open the cabinets as if I live there, needing to eat something to soak up the wine.

“Woah.” Cole comes to my side. “What are you looking for? A snack?” I nod. “Let me get it for you.”

I step back, waiting for him to find something. A hand grabs mine and tugs at me. I lose my balance a little. Sutton pulls me close so that I’m between his legs and staring up at him. I’m not sure if it’s the alcohol, but he looks incredibly tall sitting on the counter.

He puts his forehead to mine. “Breathe, Thea.” I resist. “Breathe. It will help.” I roll my eyes. Then I do what he says, giving him some deep breaths. After four, I feel slightly better. Damn him for being right. “I’m sorry.” Sutton pulls back from me so he can look into my eyes. “I should have told you. There aren’t any excuses for that. I was selfish and didn’t want to lose you.”

I can’t stay mad at him. It’s Sutton. And I want a clean slate.

“It’s okay. I understand and would’ve probably done the same if I were you.” It’s completely true. If I was in Sutton’s shoes, knowing we could have a second chance, there isn’t a doubt in my mind that I would have done anything to make that happen.

Cole brings me an almond bar. “This should help until dinner’s ready. You need water.” He fills a glass, hands it to me, and I drink the whole thing.

Tearing off a corner of the bar, I chew it crudely, too tipsy and starving to care about manners. It makes Sutton laugh. Then, it hits me. This is the first time I’ve been around all of them since I made my decision.

Do they know I’ve said yes? Did Cole tell them, or am I supposed to? The shift of energy in the room is suddenly very obvious. Sutton’s hand is cupping the back of my neck as I lean into him. Damian’s anticipating my needs. Cole as well. Even Wesley has changed somewhat, although not completely. He’s sitting in the dining room, observing. However, he’s not avoiding eye contact with me as I stare at him for far too long.

---