Page 133 of When Hearts Collide

“Ryland is so lucky to have you.” Grace’s eyes mist with moisture.

“Fucking lucky bastard,” Taylor agrees.

We fall silent as I blot out my tears with a tissue. I’ve had two weeks to mope around in my apartment as my life burns up in flames around me. It’s time to stop and get my ass back up from the floor.

As much as I know the hole in my chest will never heal, the waves of agony destroying everything in its path, I need to put one step in front of the other, to move toward a future that now seems so uncertain and gray.

Mr. Roberts’s words echo in my mind. Even if the road is hard and the skies are gray, you’re bravely walking forward, one step at a time, and one day, you’ll find yourself on top of the mountain, the sun shining on your face, and you’ll look down and be amazed at how far you’ve climbed.

Yes, I’ll scale this mountain if it’s the last thing I do.

“Don’t you have the meeting with the dean soon, Millie? What are you going to do then?” Belle asks.

“I’m going to save Ryland from himself.”

Chapter 49

The stares and whispers are rampant, and I pull the lapels of my wool coat tighter against my body as I focus my attention on the cement path, wet from this morning’s dew.

“That’s her, Adrian Scott’s sister, right?”

“Do you think she really fucked Professor Anderson?”

“What does he see in her? She looks so average.”

I try not to pay attention to them, to the students huddled in groups, their cell phones pointed at me, no doubt trying to take photos to post online or sell to gossip rags. Nausea swirls in my stomach and I feel an urge to cast up the cup of coffee I had this morning, the only thing I could stomach before I had to go to the appointment.

To meet with the dean. To tell my side of the story.

Security has increased in the neighborhood. The four campus gates are now locked down to prevent undesired visitors. Adrian sent me a driver and told me under no circumstance was I to walk or take public transportation anywhere. He wanted to assign me a bodyguard too, but I told him no. The press is vile, but not violent. And I don’t want my life to change even more than it has already.

My phone vibrates in my coat pocket, and I take it out and stare at the incoming message.

Not him. Of course, not him.

Grace

We’ll get through this, Millie. Hang in there. We’re always in your corner. You’re a fighter, remember that. You got this.

Belle

This will blow over soon. I know the media. Once the next scandal breaks, they’ll forget all about you.

Taylor

The damn vultures. If you let me, I’ll give them a piece of my mind. And by the way, I have more goodies. I’ve stocked up in case you run out. Just let me know. Five pints of ice cream and all the gummy bears you could ever want are waiting for you.

I sniffle as I stare at the texts from my girls. Their unwavering support and love. I don’t think I would’ve survived the last two weeks without them.

Just as I’m about to put away my phone, another text comes through.

Adrian

I’ve taken care of the major newspapers. They won’t be running stories about you anymore because I’ve promised that they will be the first to know once we’re ready to give a statement. Gossip Times is next on my shit list.

Adrian

I know you’ve told me not to fly over there, but that’s not going to happen. After I get back from my business trip to London, I’m coming over to New York whether you like it or not. I worry about you, Millie. Let me see you, okay?

---