Page 128 of Puppy Love

Tears spill down my cheeks, listening to the words pouring from Avery’s mouth. He’s right, about all of it. About how we’re alike, about how I’m selfish. I could have told Adrian this whole time. I just let the fear of it consume me. I put my fears first.

“You guys never responded to my texts, so we just got two ‘Binski Burgers, one with no toma—” Hayden looks up at me, his brows pressed together in a worried glance. Adrian steps in behind him, the same look taking over their face.

“Cam, what’s wrong?” he asks, rushing over to sit by me. I look up at Adrian, tears streaming down my face. A choked sob escapes my throat.

“I lied,” I cry. They look at me, confused, their arm pressed against my back.

“Hey, hey,” they say. “It’s okay.”

I shake my head, and Hayden shoots Avery a bewildered look.

“It’s not. I should have told you and I didn’t because I was scared. But you,” I sniff, “you should have known.”

They press their brows together, looking me in the eye.

“Known what Cam? What are you talking about?”

I look at Avery, and he gives me a nod. I swallow.

“I didn’t get you into Anassia’s Gallery. Violet did.”

Adrian’s face relaxes, and they press their hand against my back.

“Okay,” they say softly, but with confusion. “That’s okay. You still helped.”

I shake my head.

“She did it for me because...” My head falls into my hands. “She did it for me because we were hooking up.”

Adrian’s hand freezes on my back, and they suck in a breath.

“What?”

And then I tell them. I tell them all of it. That night at Monsey’s, recognizing her the first day. The contract and the stone. Adrian nods silently as I sob, explaining everything that happened.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I should have told you sooner, and there’s not—” I gasp. “There’s not a valid excuse as to why I kept it from you. I told myself it was because you’ve told secrets before, but they were all little ones and,” I sniff, wiping my eyes, “and I was just scared. But it wasn’t fair to you. And I’m just sorry.”

Adrian leans into me, squeezing tightly. Their curls press against my cheek, and they smell like lavender and linen.

“Cam,” they say softly. “I’m not mad at you.”

I sniff loudly and look up at them

“What?”

“I’m not mad at you. I understand why you were nervous to tell me. I understand how that could jeopardize your job. I know in the past I haven’t always kept your secrets, and I’m sorry. Those were never my things to tell.”

I shake my head, tears welling in my eyes.

“No, I’m sorry.“ My voice breaks, and Adrian squeezes me tightly.

After sixteen tissues and one bottle of water, we all finally settle onto the couch with our Zabinski’s. Hayden turns on the television but doesn’t actually press play. It’s quiet, for a moment, just loud sounds of crinkling wrappers filling the air around us. But then, Adrian speaks.

“So, you gave her a rose quartz, in the shape of a heart?” they ask. I nod. “And then you told her you don’t have feelings for her?”

I sigh loudly, a sad laugh slipping out.

“In my defense,” I sniffle, “I thought it was true.”

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