Page 81 of Only Ever You

I let out a sigh. “I need to go and get my things from Deacon’s place.”

Lucas reaches out and gives my shoulder a squeeze. “Are you sure you don’t want company?”

Shaking my head, I use my other hand to pat his. “No, I’d prefer to do this alone.”

“Pippa—”

“He broke my heart, Lucas, but I still love him. This is my last chance to say goodbye.” I force a smile. “Text Mallory. If I can’t get my love story, then I’ll live vicariously through you two.”

He chuckles. “You’re still a hopeless romantic.”

“Always. Go do it. Why are you hanging out with your baby sister and not the hot woman who’s definitely interested in you?” This time, I don’t have to force myself to smile. The idea of my brother at least getting his happy-ever-after fills my heart with joy.

His time with Elise messed him up. He also struggled with trust—just like Deacon. But Mallory’s a good person, and I know she’d be good to him.

I’m not expecting him to skip off into the sunset with her but going out with her for drinks can’t hurt. Besides, I do need to sort out Deacon’s apartment by myself.

I don’t want an audience for this.

* * *

After Lucas leaves in his Uber, I get in the car and make the drive to Deacon’s place.

This is tough. A part of me wants to say to hell with my things and just leave them there as a reminder, but I’m not sure he’ll care.

When I get there, I grab the moving boxes from the boot and carry them to the door. For the last time, I slide my key into the lock and take a deep breath before pushing the door open.

Deacon’s apartment feels the same as it always did. It’s warm and welcoming when its owner is cold and heartless.

This was more like my home than my own apartment.

I slide the keys off my keyring and drop them gently on the kitchen island. They make a clink as they land, and even that simple act leaves me feeling lost. After a moment’s hesitation, I follow with my engagement ring. My finger feels bare the second it’s off, but there’s no point in leaving it on.

Running my fingers across the back of the couch, I take in every little thing I can. This place has so many memories—all of them good.

Why, Deacon?

Maybe coming here alone was a mistake. But I can’t call Lucas now—he’s at drinks with Mallory, and he deserves something good to happen to him.

I’ve only made it as far as the living room.

There isn’t a huge amount of stuff for me to take. I have some things in the bathroom and the bedroom, and I brought a couple of boxes just in case I needed them.

But the thought of going into the bedroom makes my stomach twist.

I force myself toward the door.

The bedroom’s quiet, the bed made and the room spick and span as it was the way we left it. Deacon teased me about making the bed with clean sheets before we left, but I told him that we’d be grateful when we got back.

Returning to the front door, I retrieve one of the boxes and go back to the bedroom. One by one, I open drawers, pulling out the clothing I’ve left here over the past few months. I’m so glad I hadn’t made the final move in before the wedding. This is the last place I’d want to be spending hours packing up.

I press on, emptying out the bedside cabinet, pausing only to look at the photo on Deacon’s side. It’s another of the photos from the night of the product launch. Deacon’s arms are around me, and I’m smiling so wide it makes my face ache even now.

He can keep it. He can come home and see my face beside his bed, and I hope it hurts.

When I’m done packing in the bedroom, I head into the bathroom. It doesn’t take long to retrieve my things, and then I’m touring the rest of the apartment searching for anything else.

It’s not fair. I loved this apartment so much. Sure, it’s not my wedding-cake house with the white picket fence, but it’s where we fell in love.

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