Page 99 of Before I Loved You

But she can’t, right?

“Oh, yeah. Yeah. Everything is fine.” I widen my smile, but who am I kidding? It’s not fooling anyone.

“And you still like working for a bank?” Natalie asks.

“It’s…umm…” My throat tightens at this question. Because no, I don’t like working for a fucking bank. I don’t like staring at a computer screen all day, advising people with a shit ton of money on how to invest it. And I most certainly don’t enjoy being threatened and blackmailed by the boss’s son. But I have no choice and need to remain working here, especially after Paul made his feelings clear on where he stands with me.

And with our baby.

He left.

“I opened up to you because I trusted you with everything, including my heart.”

Oh fuck. My eyes begin watering, and there’s not a damn thing I can do to stop them as both girls watch me, appearing concerned. “It pays the bills,” I softly say, clearing my throat.

“Oh, Sarah.” Vanessa wraps her arms around me. “What is it?”

“It’s nothing,” I answer, trying to brush off the subject. Without realizing it, my arms tighten around Vanessa. Clearly, my body is begging to be comforted even if my head isn’t strong enough to admit it’s what I need.

To not feel alone in all of this bullshit for just one day.

That’s what I really need.

Vanessa pulls away just the slightest bit to look at me.

Taking a deep breath, I admit, “It’s just some asshole at my office.” I wipe the tears from my cheeks, hating that I appear weak in front of them. “Nothing I can’t handle.”

“Is there anyone in your office you can talk to about this?” she asks.

“It’s a company filled with rich, old, powerful men. It’s also the boss’s son. They wouldn’t care or do anything about it. I would quit, but…I really need the money right now.”

And it’s true. I would quit in a heartbeat if I didn’t desperately rely on every paycheck to survive.

Vanessa hesitates, looking between me and Natalie. “I know you don’t know him very well, but if you ever need help, I know Paul would take care of things for you. He’s a really great guy. He’d give you the coat off his back on the coldest day of the year.”

Sucker punched right in the gut.

That’s the only way to describe how I feel at this very moment.

Clearing my throat, I shake my head. “No. I got this. Really. Please don’t say anything to him.” I reveal a smile, trying my hardest to appear okay. The last thing I need is for them to mention this moment to Paul.

“I won’t,” Vanessa confirms. “But if there is anything Natalie and I can do to help, you’ll let us know, right?”

Oh, how I wish they could help me.

I nod as more tears begin to run down my face.

Damn hormones.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m so emotional,” I lie.

Vanessa wipes the tears from my face, throwing her arm around my shoulder. “It’s Natalie’s painting. It’s so ugly it just makes you want to cry.”

“Hey! At least mine doesn’t look like a monkey’s ass!”

“Touché,” Vanessa replies.

Natalie’s slender arms wrap around me. “We girls have to stick together.”

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