Page 66 of The Breakdown

She glanced away, as if ashamed. “Vaughn,” she let out. “And the new girl. Em, or whatever her name is.”

June reared back. “Em? Lord, why in the world would you be jealous of her?”

“Because she looks…I don’t know, like she could be gay. And she laughs at everything Vaughn says like some lovesick schoolgirl. It just…it…infuriates me.”

June lowered her hand. “So you have strong feelings for Vaughn.”

“Yes.”

“Does she know?”

“I don’t think so. I mean, she knows I’m obviously very attracted to her, but as for my feelings…no, I don’t think she knows.”

“You thought about telling her?”

Natalie shook her head. “No way.”

“Why not?”

“Because she made it clear that she doesn’t feel the same way. She said what happened between us was a mistake and a one-time thing. That we both have too many problems for it to be anything more.”

“Ah.”

“Yeah. So, no, I’m not going to tell her how I feel. It would be torturous.”

“I still think she ought to know, darlin’. For your own peace of mind and well-being.”

Natalie looked at her pleadingly. “I can’t, June. I just can’t. I’m not strong enough to face the rejection.”

“What if she doesn’t reject you?”

“She already has, by saying what she did.”

“What if she’s changed her tune?”

“What do you mean?”

“What if the things she said to you were just a defense mechanism? Ones said with the sole purpose of keeping you at bay?”

“Why would she do that?”

“Fear, Natalie. I guarantee you that Vaughn is just as afraid as you are.”

“But—”

“I’m not saying I know exactly how she feels. Lord knows she hasn’t shared anything with me. I’m just saying that I’ve known that child since she was born, and I know how she gets when she’s afraid of something. Instead of facing it head-on, she runs. Always has.”

June continued as Natalie took her words in. “Now as for Em. She’s not a threat to you, Natalie. She’s a child. And an employee at that. Vaughn will never see her as anything more. Ever.”

“But the way she acts around Vaughn, it’s sickening.”

“She’s young and she probably looks up to Vaughn. Or she may even have a little crush. But I can tell you right here and now, that Vaughn will never take advantage of that. Em is an employee. And not that it matters, but she’s not Vaughn’s type.”

“What is…Vaughn’s type?”

June smiled. “I think you know the answer to that, child.”

“Me?”

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