Page 67 of Blinded By Hate

“Hayden and I are different people now. I have no clue who he is now,” I try to explain.

I know Natalia just wants the best for her brother and me but sometimes people just aren’t meant to be. I don’t want to ruin a future marriage because Hayden or I can’t control ourselves.

We’ve already fucked up.

“But I think that you could be really good for Hayden and make him happy like he was before. He needs you even though he won’t say it.”

I roll my eyes and walk out of the bathroom. Natalia follows me into the room.

“Why is everyone saying that? Hayden seems like he is doing okay on his own without my help. I mean he’s rich, he has a fiancé who is rich, his career is off the charts, and he is one of the most famous fighters in the world. He is doing just fine.” I want to almost laugh because I find it hilarious that people think that Hayden needs me. If anything, I probably need him even though I won’t admit it out loud or sometimes to myself. “Are you ready to go? I’m pretty sure everyone is waiting for us,” I ask Natalia, trying to be nice and not sound like a bitch.

I’m just over this conversation and Hayden.

I want, for one night, to just get drunk and pretend he doesn’t exist anymore and like he didn’t make my world fall.

Natalia sighs and grabs her purse. “You’ll see, Jaclyn.”

Natalia and I get to the bar where there's music playing on the speakers lightly and some people working the bar.

The boys are already at the bar as we walk up to them. Martin, Max, Chris, and Kayden are sitting while talking and sipping on their drinks.

Chris turns his head and smiles when he sees Natalia. “Hey, babe.” He stands and goes to her to wrap his arms around her waist. “Lilah is with your parents,” he says before kissing her.

Natalia kisses him back passionately before saying. “I know, my mom texted me. Where is Hayden?” she says, looking around for him.

“He stepped out to take a call from Rowan. He’ll be back.”

I sit down next to Max and smile at the bartender who comes up to me. “I’ll get a double espresso martini.”

He gives me a wink before walking away.

He’s not bad looking.

Pretty cute and makes good drinks.

He looks young, maybe around my age, maybe older. Brown hair, dark eyes, and a light scruff on his chin and jaw.

“You still love those espresso martinis?” Max asks me.

I nod my head. “Yea. They taste good. I don’t know how some people don’t like them.”

I look at Martin and Max together. They look like such a good couple. They match and compliment one another so well.

“So you and Hayden?” I hear a voice behind me say.

I turn my head and look at Kayden.

“Yeah, about that. You little stalker.” I narrow my eyes at him. “I thought you went to a different part of the beach to take pictures?”

Kayden shrugs and sips on his drink. “I saw you guys and had to take some. Let me tell you, for two people who claim to not love one another anymore, you guys look pretty cozy in those pictures to me.”

I shake my head lightly. “All of you are unbelievable.”

“Well, we aren’t wrong. You just can’t admit it yet.”

The bartender comes back and places the drink in front of me. “Vodka girl, huh?”

I smile at him and nod my head. “What can I say? They taste good.”

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