Page 56 of The Break Out

I hardly notice I’m crying until a tear drops and hits the top of my hand just sitting on my keyboard.

Wiping my cheeks, I take a deep breath to compose myself once again. Ellie jumps up next to me, meowing as she pushes her head against my arm. I swear this cat knows things.

“I’m okay, El,” I reassure her while petting her head.

My phone dings and I don’t know why my immediate thought is that it may be Bryson or Bailey. Probably my subconscious is just hoping since now I have the pull to reach out to make sure they’re okay after what I just learned about Colton’s brother and the reminder of my own.

My shoulders drop when I see it’s neither of them, but the man I was just researching.

Colton: Was that enough time to let you freak out about what happened and not ignore me again?

Brynn: It’s a holiday, this number is out of service.

Colton: Almost forgot, but the only thing I’m thankful for today is how tightly your pussy strangles me. Especially when I tell you what a good little slut you are for me.

Brynn: It’s a holiday, said pussy is also out of service.

Colton: Damn, I broke you? I’ll come kiss it better.

Brynn: Go spend time with your family or something.

He doesn’t reply right away, and I gnaw at my lip, worried that may have been too far, even for me especially with what I just learned. I don’t know how close he is to his family, maybe it’s like mine and strained. Maybe it’s perfect, I didn’t see any other obituary that could show his parents are dead, so I assume they aren’t.

Colton: They don’t live here. I could join yours. I’m sure mommy, daddy, and big bro would love to see me show up with you to the family dinner.

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding when he continues with his flirty banter. I’ve never cared about offending him or hurting his feelings, so I’m not sure why I suddenly do. Probably has something to do with my own issues that I’m shaking away again.

Brynn: No parents, just going to Brent’s.

My thumbs hover over the screen as I think about what I’m about to type. I know I shouldn’t, but something about what I recently learned has created this string connecting us in a way Ididn’t expect and didn’t entirely want. But it’s there and I can’t ignore it.

Brynn: You could join though if you want.

Colton: Uh, to your brother’s house? That he shares with his girlfriend who he shares with two other guys?

Brynn: Never mind.

Colton: I’ll pick you up at three.

Brynn: Two conditions.

Brynn: No being a dick to everyone. They are your teammates, act like it.

Brynn: Nothing has happened or is happening between us. I invited you because I feel bad.

Not a total lie.

Colton: One condition of my own, then.

Colton: You come back to my place and don’t sneak out this time.

Brynn: Only if my conditions are met. If not, then you take me home and delete my number.

Colton: Ha ha. I’ll see you soon, Baby Collee.

One way or another I’m going to regret this.

27

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