Page 68 of Envy

Instead, I turn to her. The woman he didn’t introduce me to. The woman he let feed him. “Hi,” I say smoothly. “I’m Rose.”

Her smile is perfect. “It’s nice to meet you,” she says. “I’m Veronica.” Then she glances at Garret.

Veronica. Even her name is beautiful. A perfect, glossy, effortless Veronica.

I glance at the cake. Garret never asked me to bake for him. Granted, I don’t know my way around a kitchen. But I would have tried.

I would have learned. I would have done anything for him—if only he had asked.

But he asked her.

He was here with her while I was upstairs, puking my guts out. He didn’t even know.

The tension thickens. It smothers me like a heavy fog. I know Garret has a past. And I know mine isn’t pure. But watching him parade it in front of me—or worse, knowing he might still be fucking her, rips something apart inside me.

We never talked about what we are to each other. I was stupid to think I was special. Garret can have whoever he wants. Why would he waste his time with me?

A wave of nausea rolls through me. My hands turn clammy. My stomach lurches. I need to get out of here.

Garret grabs a plate of strawberries. “You sure?” he asks.

Veronica smiles and plucks one from the plate. “Aww…you remembered?” she says, softly.

Acid burns my throat.

“I try,” he says, as if I’m not even in the room.

I swallow hard and clear my throat. “I’ll leave you two to finish.”

Veronica hesitates. “Oh, I can go?—”

“No, stay.” I force my best fake smile. “He invited you.” I lie through my teeth. “I have a paper due. You can keep him company.” I turn away before my voice cracks.

“Rose?” Garret calls.

I pause. I don’t turn around.

Tears silently streak down my cheeks. “Yeah?”

His voice is soft. “Call me if you need help.”

I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Yeah. Of course.”

I make it to the bedroom, shaking. I grab my black book-bag—the same one I came here with. The one thing that still belongs to me. Then I start collecting my things. The ones I didn’t throw away.

A reminder of who I was before him.

GARRET

Veronica smacksme on the arm. “What the hell is the matter with you?”

“What?”

“You don’t know?”

I scratch my brow. “You’re talking in tongues. First, you fucked up the cake I wanted to surprise her with, and now you’re berating me for God knows what.” I pick up the plate.

“She’s gorgeous,” she states. “And very pregnant.”

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