Page 67 of Revive

“Don’t,” she shouts. “I amnotmad because you didn’t say it back.”

Choosing my words carefully, I tell her my heart has every intention of falling with hers. “What I was going to say is if there’s anyone in the world made to put the pieces of my heart back together and cherish it, it’s you.” I swallow the lump in my throat and continue. “I’m sorry I didn’t clarify that you are important to me. I should’ve told you that you’re not a practice girlfriend. That you’re not a stand in. I should’ve told you you’re not replaceable. And above all else, you.Are. Mine.”

If I was unsure about how I felt, seeing her in flight or fight mode, kicked me into gear. I have a past. I have scars, but if I’m not careful, I’m going to lose my future.

“Tomorrow, it’s your turn to tell me about it, okay?” She acknowledges my request, but something has me still uneasy that she’s trying to say goodbye. “Promise me I’ll see you tomorrow,” I demand.

Silence.

“Say it.”

A lone tear rolls down her face. “I promise.”

20

Taylah

Istare at myself for the last time making sure my puffy eyes are covered and I’ve practiced my fake smile enough times even I believe it.

Its morbid, and one hundred percent inappropriate, but I’ve spent the week mourning my relationship with Drix, but last night, through all the hurt, his words sparked hope.

Today will be my fresh start. For Drix, I will put my big girl panties on and face the woman that holds my future in her hands, and I will take it back.

Because she can’t have him. And if she tries. I’m not going down without a fight.

My phone dings with a text, and sure that it’s Drix telling me he’s close, I give myself a quick once over in the full length mirror.Perfect

Grabbing my clutch, I slip my shoes on, and walk down my front steps. Leaning on the passenger side door is the man I’ve fallen in love with. His feet are crossed and arms are folded, he lookslight and casual.

Standing in front of him, I wear my shyest smile. “Hi.”

“Fuck saying hi.” Grabbing me by the waist, he lifts me up high enough to wrap my legs around him. Turning, he pushes me into the door, and obliterates every kiss before this one. “Don’t ever keep these from me again,” he murmurs in my mouth. “Got it?” He grips my arse through my dress and presses me into his solid length. A loud moan is my answer.

“I promise to finish this later.”

Flushed and turned on, I nod, as my body slides down his. Opening the door, he helps me get into the car; groping me any chance he gets.

Waiting for him to jump in, I pull my phone out and find a song. As if the last seven days didn’t happen we fall into sync. “You going to sing for me, Crazy?”

I hit play onYour Mess is Mineby Vance Joy, and wink at him. “Always.”

He finds my hand and weaves his fingers through mine, as the words of the song settle between us. The song ends only to start up again, and he glances over at me with a raised brow.

“I know how much you love them on repeat.” He lifts my hand to his lips.

I love you too.

Remembering to tell Drix something, I lower the volume and pull a slim length envelope out of my bag. “I forgot to tell you I bought Dakota a gift from us.”

“Yeah? What did you get her?”

“Well the Museum of Contemporary Art is holding a photography exhibition, in a month. They’re all up and coming photographers, and I figured the three of us could go.”

My heart beats frantically, wondering if I’ve overstepped, but the heart-stopping smile on his face is the reassurance I need. “She’s going to love that.”

“I think so.”

He pulls into the driveway, and a wave of nausea hits me. I countdown from twenty and pray an overactive imagination has me exaggerating the whole thing. “We’re going to be okay,” he says, noticing my mood change.

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