Page 132 of Perfect Pursuit

I push to my feet and shove my fingers through my hair. Finally I summon up my courage to admit, “The lies. I couldn’t live with constant lies. Not on top of what was happening at home after my father betrayed us all. Christ, Fal, he was the man I looked to as a damn hero my whole life and then?—”

“A lifetime of his lies were exposed.” Looking over my shoulder, I find she’s lifted both of her hands to her lips and tears are welling in her eyes. Instead of pity, there’s regret and something I hope I’m not misinterpreting.

It looks an awful lot like understanding.

Feeling like a weight has lifted off my chest, I lean against a stack of boxes and sigh, “Yes.”

Fallon nods. She gets to her feet and reaches into her pocket. Her head ducks as her fingers fly. She must have received a text while we were talking. I briefly wonder if it’s her movers when I feel a vibration against my chest.

Next to my heart.

Cautiously, I reach for my phone and slip it out of my pocket.

It’s her.

My eyes flash toward hers and she glances down at my phone when all I see is a street name. Seconds later, I receive another bit of information.

Fallon:

Centerport, NY

Fallon:

My address when I move.

Fallon:

I’m transferring to Vanderbilt Eagle’s Nest.

Fallon:

Fresh start. Closer to what’s left of my family.

Once the dots stop moving, I lift my head and find her eyes on me. I hold hers for what seems like an eternity before I type back.

Ethan:

I’d like to help you move in.

Fallon:

I wouldn’t turn it down; that’s for certain.

Ethan:

That’s good to know.

Ethan:

Gives us a chance to really spend some time together.

Ethan:

Talking.

Fallon:

I’d like that.

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