Page 112 of Secret Love

Henley

I’m okay. I just need a little time to wrap my head around all of this. I need to work through some things on my own. I hope you understand.

I hope you understand?What does that even mean? I understand he’s trying to come to terms with what’s happening to him, but what is henotsaying here? The last thing he said last night is that he loves me, but today he sounds so distant. Is he trying to break up with me?

I go home and cuddle with Earl while grading papers instead of going over to Henley’s. After stewing over it too long, I finally text him back.

I understand you needing time to work through this, but I want to walk through this with you. I wish you wouldn’t shut me out.

Henley

I’m the worst company right now.

I start blubbering and Earl looks up at me.

“Meow?”

“He’s shutting me out when he needs me the most,” I tell my cat.

Earl nuzzles his head under my hand and his next meow sounds like he’s agreeing with me.

“When did you get so smart?” I sigh.

It just gets worse over the next few days. Henley’s hardly talking to any of us, Bree and the girls included. He’s never been like this before, and it’s so out of character that no one knows what to do. His excuse is that he’s taking some time to work through things and he doesn’t want anyone affected by his foul mood.

We’re all affected. I haven’t been sleeping and the tears are coming way too often. The guys are stressed and we all feel helpless. The concern for him is only building at an alarming rate.

On day four, Bowie calls as I’m leaving the school. I pick up on the first ring.

“Hey, Tru. You doing okay?”

“Not really.”

“I’m so sorry about that. What can I do to help?”

“Have you checked on Henley? I’d feel better knowing if he’s okay.”

“That’s part of why I’m calling. I just remembered that Henley gave me a key to his place when I was having my house remodeled. I’d forgotten all about it and came across it just a few minutes ago. I’m going over there and checking on him, and I’ll let you know how he seems, okay?”

“That’s great. Please, let me know. And let him know I just want him to be okay. If he…if he doesn’t want to be with me anymore, I’ll…I’ll deal with that, but I want to know he’s okay.”

“Tru...” Bowie’s voice is soft. “He loves you. It’s not that he doesn’t want to be with you anymore. I think he’s just…in a dark place.”

“I don’t know,” I admit. “I think I have to accept that he might not want to be with me anymore.”

“I’ll talk with him.”

“Okay. Thanks, Bowie.”

I’m distracted during dance and Jacklyn lets me go a little earlier than usual. I stop by the grocery store on the way home, and later, my mom and I watch a movie. But my mind is on Henley.

I should’ve seen this coming with him. He’s been quiet and withdrawn. The light in his eyes has dimmed and he’s been in his own little world. I keep telling myself that this isn’t about me, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t stir up old wounds.

Am I not enough? Is he not happy with me? The fears my dad instilled in me come to the surface at the worst times.

If he wants to end this, I need to know it.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

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