Page 6 of The Secrets Behind Us

Of course, whoever is sending me these texts isn’t going to admit to it. But from his reaction and the tone of his voice, I have a gut feeling that it's not Mateo. I shake the thought away. “Never mind. I need to get to my sister.”

He moves out of my way but before I can pass him, he grabs my arm. “I mean it, Hazel. Stay away from him. He was messed up when you left and I’m still trying to get my brother back.”

Guilt hits me hard with his words. I know I messed up, but I did it out of fear and love. Mateo’s right, I should keep my distance, it would be best for both of us. Emotion chokes me when I try to respond. So, I just nod at him as my eyes well.

Mateo takes in my face and lets my arm go. I don’t stick around for another lecture. I head back to the table and all I can think about is how he ran away.

When my sister sees me, the smile that she had on her face drops. “What's wrong?” She's at my side in a heartbeat.

“Nothing.”

“Bullshit, Hazel. Tell me what happened.”

She knows me too well. Even when I try to mask my emotions, she's still able to see through it.

I can’t really explain though. She doesn’t know the real reason I left. The texts. The threats.

All she knows is that I needed space from Dexter and that I took a job out in California. So, I tell her half of the truth.

“I saw Dexter and I want to go home,” I shout.

Her eyes soften with my confession. Nodding, she grabs my hand and pulls me toward the exit. “Then let’s go.”

We leave the bar, getting into my sister’s car without another word. Both of us stay silent as she drives her way through the town back to our parents’ house.

When she pulls into the driveway, she looks over at me and rests her hand on my leg, silently reminding me that I'm not alone. “Hazel, I know the thing between you and Dexter is more than you're saying. I just want you to know I’m here for you.”

I hang my head because of course she's here for me. I lift my head, placing my hand on hers. “Thanks, Ashley. I know. I just can’t. Not right now."

I turn away from her, getting out of the car and making my way into the house as the tears drip down my face. The canyon between Dexter and me is so large I’m not sure we will ever be able to close it.

For now, I’m ready for the night to end. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Chapter five

Dexter

After a fitful night of sleep, I gave up and came to work early. Questions I thought I had long forgotten plagued my mind.

I’m the first one here since it’s two hours before we open at eight. Turning on the lights, I take in the smell of the cleaner that we use to sanitize the equipment combined with the smell of sweat and allow it to settle over my body. That scent has a way of calming me. The gym has always been a safe place for me, even when my dad tried to ruin it.

Since I got here so early, I check to see when my first appointment is. I let out a small huff when I see that it's not until ten. I can't let this time go to waste, I'll take advantage of this time and workout.

Ever since Mateo opened his gym about six years ago, I've always trained here. I fought a lot when I was younger but thankfully, I was able to convince my dad that I was getting too old to fight as often as I had been. He agreed along with his boss at The Wolves as long as I continue to train and fight every few months. Since I stopped fighting as much, I needed more cash. Thankfully, my brother had my back and gave me a job.

After making sure the staff fridge is fully stocked, I grab myself a water and head for the treadmills. I need to get a good run in, try to extract all this turmoil from my head. I plug in my earbuds, place my cardio playlist on, and hope to get lost in the rhythm.

I’m unsuccessful at not thinking about a certain woman, who left me years ago to suddenly reappear last night. My feet pound on the treadmill as I remember Hazel finding me that night beaten and bruised in my house. The way she took care of me. I remember thinking that I was so lucky that my best friend was in love with me and the pain I would endure in my fights wouldn’t be so bad if she was by my side.

With every step I take, anger pulses through my body as I think about the letter she left me that same night. I have it memorized and even though I’ve tried to forget it, the words still stick in my head.

How dare she just show back up ten years later without a word or an explanation. I’ve heard in passing through town members that she’s been home a few times, but I’ve always been able to avoid her.

I made sure to keep my distance from her family too. I didn’t want anything to remind me of her. That all ended though about a year ago, when her sister Ashley insisted that I train her. “Dexter, you are the best and I want the best.”

I gave in after her arguing with me for a few weeks. I couldn’t take it anymore. Thankfully, Ashely only wants to train and doesn’t push me to talk about Hazel. Suddenly, a large hand hits the big red button on the treadmill, and it automatically starts to slow down.

I pull out my earbuds. “What the hell?”

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