Page 135 of That's Too Pucking Bad

“I know how it sounds, okay? I know I fucked up.” He runs a hand through his hair again, pacing now. “That’s why I’m here. To make it right.”

“Make it right?” I laugh, bitter and hollow. “You think throwing money at me fixes this? Newsflash, Colin— it doesn’t. Oh my god, that’s why your brother was here. This is what he was talking about. He said that I would understand one day.” I put my hands on my hips as my eyes narrow at him. “Are you actually fucking serious?”

“I’m sorry. I’m trying to make things right. I don’t know what else to do, Remy. I’m trying. I’m trying to apologize. I’m telling you the truth now, offering it to you and your mom to help. I’m trying to help.”

I shake my head, the betrayal cutting deeper than I thought possible. “You were my best friend.” A tear slides down my face. “And you just… threw me away.”

“I didn’t throw you away. I—” He pauses, swallowing hard. “Shit between us got so complicated. And don’t stand there and pretend like you weren’t interested in him when you were with me. I felt you pulling away. I don’t even want to ask if you were cheating on me with him. Okay? None of us are innocent. Zane was convincing. I told him that if I did it, he had to take care of you.”

“Take care of me?” I laugh again, harsher this time. “That’s a sick joke. He’s ruined my fucking life!”

“I didn’t know it’d turn out like this,” he mutters, looking down. “I didn’t know he’d—”

“God, I am so fucking upset right now!” Tears are streaming down my face, and I don’t know if it’s sadness or anger. Maybe both.

He looks up at me. “You really love him, don’t you?”

“What difference does that make? He used his money to get his way. He lied and manipulated me andyou! God, he’s just like his father.”

Zane is exactly like his father, and after what I told him last night, I cannot believe I had been such a fool to think I was special.

I was a game to him.

He wanted me so he did all he could to get me. I feel cheap.

“I think you should leave Colin.”

“I–”

“I will take this money and give it to my mom. That’s the least she deserves. This dirty fucking money. But as for me, I would really like to be alone,” I tell him, and then I turn on my heel and head to my bedroom.

The mansion looms dark and lifeless, every window shut, the front gates locked tight. I stand there for a second, my breath fogging in the cold, wondering if this is some kind of sign. Zane’s car isn’t here, either.

I pull out my phone and dial Maya. She picks up on the third ring, her voice muffled like she’s mid-yawn. “What’s up?”

“Where’s Zane?” I ask, cutting straight to it.

“Hello to you, too,” she mumbles.

“Maya, I’m not in the mood. His house is locked up.”

“Oh, right.” There’s some rustling on her end, like she’s sitting up. “He’s at Caleb’s.”

“Of course he is,” I mutter. “Send me the location please. Thanks.”

“You good?” she asks, but I’ve already hung up.

Caleb’s house is only ten minutes away, but it feels longer. I park on the street, glaring at the house. It’s massive but older, with peeling paint and a lawn that’s seen better days. The porch light flickers as I knock.

The door creaks open, and Caleb stands there, shirtless and rubbing sleep from his eyes. “Remy?” He blinks, clearly shocked. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here for Zane,” I say, stepping forward like I might just push past him.

“He’s still asleep,” Caleb says, holding the door just enough to block me. “But he’ll be happy to see you, I’m sure.”

“Is he upstairs?”

“Uh, yeah.” Caleb scratches the back of his head, then steps aside. “Go on up. Second door on the left.”

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