Page 9 of Shattered

“That makes a lot more sense.”

Hurt flashes in her eyes, and I regret my words. I shouldn’t have said that.

“Thanks, I really appreciate that,” she snaps, jumping back to her feet and heading towards her car.

“I’m sorry, Juliet,” I yell.

She stops, turning on her heels to shoot me an irritated look. “This is why Turner and Ian wanted me to check on you. I brought you a punching bag so you’d stop using people instead.”

She doesn’t give me time to apologize before she climbs into her car and takes off.

I consider avoiding the party altogether. Juliet’s pissed at me, and part of me doesn’t want to be there for the announcement. But if I’m not there, it’ll only feed more into everyone’s assumption that I’m heartbroken. So, despite how badly I’d rather cuddle up on my sofa alone with popcorn and some movies, I throw together a charcuterie board with what I have on hand, put myself together, and head over.

Turner lives on a large property in a beautiful house. I drive my car down the long driveway to the back of the house, where a parking area is packed with cars. Some loud chatter confirms that everyone is in the courtyard. All members of Koa have entry codes to Turner’sback door, so I use mine to head inside. Past the entryway, I see Juliet and Turner in the kitchen. Juliet immediately averts her eyes and leaves through the door to the courtyard, which makes me feel like shit.

I step into the kitchen, feeling Turner’s eyes on me the whole time as I set my platter on the table, adding to the monstrous spread of food.

“Can we talk before you go out?” Turner asks.

I sigh, finally meeting his gaze. He’s riddled with concern, and I don’t want to deal with it, but he won’t let me avoid it. “I guess.”

“I wanted to check in and see how you’re doing. You don’t seem like yourself these days.”

“And what, you couldn’t find anyone else to check on me?”

His expression sours with the beginnings of anger. “Don’t be angry with Juliet. She’s concerned. We all are.”

“Well, you don’t need to be, I’m fine. And I’d appreciate it if you all stopped talking about me behind my back.”

I try to push past him to get to the door to the courtyard, and he stonewalls me, blocking my path.

“Why don’t we go downstairs? You haven’t been to Koa in a while, have you?” he asks, gentler this time.

“No thanks.” When I try to push past him again, he still doesn’t stand aside to let me pass. “Turner…”

“When’s the last time you had sex?”

I steel. “Why is that your business?”

“Because you used to come to me at least three times a week, and you seem to have completely lost interest. You used to be a sex machine.”

Why is that my title? “People can change, you know.”

He softens. “I get that. But I don’t think that’s what this is. I think you’re depressed.”

“Oh fuck off.”

“Lila, watch your mouth!” he growls. “I’m not here to give you hell. I want to help you.”

I glance out the door, seeing my friends are all out there. They’re laughing, having a great time.

“Y’know what, tell everyone I said hi. I’m not feeling good.”

“Lila!”

I turn on my heels and head for the back door, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. “I don’t wanna be here right now,” I growl, slamming the door behind me.

It’s after ten when my phone rings, and I accept the call and lift it to my ear.

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