Page 81 of Burn It Down

“Well, what do you propose?” she asks, her fingertips brushing lightly back and forth across my forearm, making mesleepy. Cora’s touch is soothing and she remains a safe place for me even in light of all of this. It’s hard to undo an entire history with someone, especially when you still care about them.

I think in silence for a few minutes, wracking my brain to see if there’s a way to solve multiple problems at once, but my brilliant ex-girlfriend — God, that feels so foreign and yet, it fills me with such relief I could weep — speaks first.

“What if you and I issue a joint statement that we’ve broken up? That it was a mutual decision and we still love and respect each other and look forward to remaining in each other’s lives?” She gains momentum as she talks. “What ifI’mthe one who outs you and announces your relationship with Dylan while offering my full support? That way, I come out looking like a gem, and let’s be honest, you owe me that much.” She winks at me and it’s like I’m seeing her for the first time. This is a level of strength I didn’t know she possessed. “If you go public with Dylan,” she continues, “and still lose your job after that, I think you probably have a pretty hefty, and very public, discrimination suit on your hands, which your father will likely want to avoid. We both know he won’t respond kindly, but maybe we could make him as uncomfortable as possible for a little bit?” She has a wicked smirk on her face and a hint of mischief in her eyes.

“You would do that for me? For Dylan?” I ask, completely dumbfounded because honestly, her plan is brilliant.

“Absolutely. Your father fucked me over too, remember?”

I don’t point out thatherfather agreed to the plan just as much as mine, but souring her and Martin’s relationship isn’t on my agenda, nor is it any longer my business.

“Do you think Ines would let us do it on air? I really think we need as much local exposure as possible.”Before either of our fathers can twist the story into something it isn’t.

Cora sits up, pulling away from me, but turns around so she can see me.

“Sure. I’ll reach out. Could we do it after I get back from the U.K. next week? I’m sure Ines will need some time to find a spot and that way I can also have some time to digest this change.”

“Of course. Whatever you need,” I agree, readily.

“Okay. For now, it’ll be our little secret.”

I want to give her another hug, but I already feel her retreating from me. Our moment is over. Our relationship is over. The façade is over. So, I keep my distance not wanting to make it harder than I already have.

“You’re the most incredible person I know, Cor,” I repeat, not knowing what other words to use to convey how grateful I am.

“Maybe a close second, but I think it’s pretty obvious who’s in the top spot,” she responds.

Before I lose the opportunity and not wanting to dwell on this particular subject any longer, I ask another question that’s been bothering me for a while.

“Did you know your dad has been buying businesses on the south side of town? A couple of them on the same street as Dylan’s auto body shop?”

She doesn’t seem concerned. “I think he mentioned it in passing. I know my dad has been trying to get more involved in the real estate market so I suppose I’m not surprised. He can probably get them pretty cheaply with the growing crime rate. People get scared and then they just want out, you know?”

I spend the next week with the wordscheaply, growing crime rate, people scared,andjust want out,rolling through my head, swirling faster and faster like a tornado about to tear through the street her father is gobbling up.

It’s just good business, right? Martin’s far too smart to risk his political career by getting caught up in some shady dealings just to make a buck…I think.

But what about my father?

It still doesn’t sit well with me that my dad’s signature was on those closing documents right next to Martin’s, but the Beautiful Deceit concert is finally upon us and now that we don’t have to hide, I push thoughts of Martin and my father to the back of my mind to be dealt with later.

Chapter 22

Dylan

The next week passes in a state of bliss. Jake and I can no longer pretend this is anything other than what it is and as autumn permeates the air, the leaves aren’t the only things falling.

Officially declaring himself my boyfriend —if you’ll have me,he’d said — to me and my family, I couldn’t be happier. Cora seems on board and supportive and I feel a lot better about not fooling around behind her back anymore. Even if Jake and I can’t go totally public just yet, it’s progress.

The more time he and I spend together, the more whole I feel. Like I’m fulfilling my promise to my mom and dad about trying to make a life for myself. I crave his touch when he isn’t near, I text him just because I can, and when he comes to pick me up for the Beautiful Deceit concert, my heart swells when he walks right in my house and greets my family like he’s known them all his life.

“Mr. Ryder, it’s great to see you again!” Jake’s excitement is palpable and genuine over seeing my dad who sticks his hand out to greet him. Cassie has liked Jake from the beginning, but my dad was hesitant, guarded. He’s much more relaxed aroundhim now that he knows we have a plan to push our relationship forward.

“How many times do I have to tell you to call me Charlie?” My dad asks, smiling because secretly, he enjoys and appreciates the respect Jake shows him.

“Probably at least a thousand more,” Jake answers with a wide grin of his own. Cassie comes into the room shortly after that and practically flings herself into Jake’s arms. He catches her easily and kisses her cheek. “Hello, gorgeous.”

She laughs and hugs him tighter. “You’re my favorite boyfriend, you know that?”

---