Page 130 of Dare To Live

“Spell it out to me.”

He nods. “Okay, I expected this. I knew it wouldn’t be easy.” He releases a shaky breath. “Look, Eli, what happened ten years ago was fucked up. I’d really like for us to sit down and talk about it. I don’t expect your forgiveness, but I’d like to tell you what happened from my side of things. My therapist says … well, she thinks it would be good for me to tell you everything I wanted to say back then … maybe it will be good for you, too.”

“Closure,” I say quietly, and he nods again. “I think everyone is here looking for closure in some form or other.”

His tongue licks over his lips. “I understand if you tell me to fuck off.”

“A few years ago, that’s exactly what I would have done.” I rub my jaw, eyeing him. “Okay. I’ll give you your moment. When?”

“They should be breaking for lunch soon. How about then?”

“Sure. Where?”

“We could take a walk out to the football field. Sit on the bleachers?”

“Want to relive your glory days?” My lip curls.

He laughs quietly. “Something like that.”

“Alright, I’ll meet you out there at lunchtime. Mind if I bring someone with me?”

His gaze shifts past me again.” Arabella?”

“If she wants to come, that is.”

“She should hear what I have to say as well.”

He holds out his hand. I look down at it, then slowly take it in mine and we shake.

“I’ll see you at lunch.” I turn and make my way back to Arabella.

“What was that about?” she demands as soon as I reach her.

“He wants to talk.”

“Talk?”

I drape my arm across her shoulders and tug her closer to me. “We’re not kids anymore, Ari. I don’t think he’s planning to do anything stupid.”

“Everything Jace Black does is stupid.” She mutters the words under her breath.

I laugh and move until I’m standing in front of her. Pressing two fingers beneath her chin, I tip her head up. “I did far worse things to you than he did, and you have given me chance after chance.” I brush my lips over hers. “I’m just paying that opportunity forward. I’ll give him a chance to say his piece and then we can both move on with our lives.”

“Why are you being so … so …”

“Mature?”

She rolls her eyes.

“Because it’s what Kellan would want. He hated not having all the answers. If things were reversed and it was Kellan here instead of me, he’d be questioning everyone about that time. But he’s not here, so I need to do it for him. If that means listening to Miles explain what happened the day Kellan died, or letting Jace tell me whatever it is he feels he needs to share, then I’ll do it. It doesn’t matter how it makes me feel, Ari. I didn’t even want to fucking come. I’m only here because Ivan told me you were coming. But since I am here, and Kellan can’t get closure for himself, I have to do it for both of us. You understand?”

“You’re here because of me?” A frown clouds her expression.

“Did you really think I’d let you walk the halls of Churchill Bradley without the monster at your heels? There’s no fucking way I’m leaving you alone with those vultures.” I toss an angry glare at Lacy, who looks away.

“I thought, after New York—”

“I really liked your video.” I trace a finger around her lips. “Especially the part where you fell off the bed.”

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