Page 66 of Puck Right Off

CHAPTER 39

Jordyn

Peeling my dry eyes open, I blink, groaning at the bright night filtering through the window. Closing my eyes, I throw my arm over my pounding head. I wince from the pain shooting through the palm of my hand.

Lifting my arm, I crack open my eyes, examining my skinned-up palm. Memories of last night whirl through my head so fast it makes the room spin. Groaning, I close my eyes again, despair making my chest cave in.

A knock on the door makes me jolt, then whimper as pain slices through my skull. The door opens before I can utter a word, and Alex’s cheerful voice rings through the room. “Oh, good. You’re awake.”

I open my eyes, turn my head, and scowl at him. “I wish I were dead.”

He chuckles as he crosses the room, lowering himself onto the edge of the mattress. “That’s not true, Jordyn. You feel like shit from hurting so bad. But you don’t wanna die.”

“How do you know?”

“Because you’re in love with Tristan. If there’s a chanceyou can make things right with him, you’ll take it. That’s reason enough for you to keep living.”

“There’s no chance I can ever do that, Alex. I might as well be dead. At least I wouldn’t have to feel so fucking miserable.” My scraped-up palm slides to my chest, fisting the shirt I’m wearing. Frowning, my confused gaze drops to it.

“Don’t worry. You undressed yourself after I gave you one of my shirts.” He leans closer, his eyes dancing with humor. “Don’t tell Tristan you wore anything of mine. He’ll go ballistic.”

“Yeah, right. Like he’d care.” A mournful sigh slips through my slightly parted lips. “He hates me, Alex. And I don’t blame him. I lied to him. I betrayed him. And?—”

Alex squeezes my arm. “Stop with the pity party. You’re forgetting one very important thing.”

My brows furrow as I blink at him through my tears. “What’s that?”

“He’ll forgive you because he loves you.”

I snort in disbelief, hope surging through the broken pieces of my heart. “Yeah, right. Not anymore. I ruined that.”

Alex’s laugh grates on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard. “The good news is, once Tristan loves you, he doesn’t fall out of love. He may get pissed as hell, but he never stops loving you.” The goofy grin on his face would be endearing if I weren’t so brokenhearted. “Trust me. I’ve pissed him off many times over the years. He still loves me.” He winks at me.

“You’re his best friend. Not a woman who lied and betrayed him.”

He waves his hand dismissively. “He loves you in a way I’ve never seen him love. He’s not gonna walk away that easily.” The smile on his face is so reassuring that hope flares inside my chest. “You’re lucky I’m here to help straighten things between you two.”

“How are you going to help?”

“First, you’re gonna get in the shower and clean up. Then I’ll take you home so you can change into something that won’t piss him off.” He winks at me.

I eye him skeptically. “Do you think he’ll let me through the door of his house?”

Alex grins. “Yes, he will. He’s not home.”

“How do you know that?”

“It’s the anniversary of his parents and sister’s deaths. He’s at the cemetery, where you’re going once you’ve changed. That will show him effort.” His expression softens as he whispers, “He needs you, Jordyn. You understand what it’s like to lose a parent better than anyone. That’s one of the reasons he fell so damn hard for you. You’re so damn strong. You understand what he’s going through.”

Although I’m touched by Alex’s words and my heart clenches inside my chest for what Tristan is experiencing, I frantically shake my head. “I’m the last person he’ll want to see.”

“You’re wrong. You’re the only one he wants to see right now.”

Alex lets his words sink in. “Tristan is the one who told me how strong you are. How much he admired you for all you did to support your mom after your dad died, including giving up your college fund and working to help pay the bills. All while you were grieving.” Alex reaches over, pushing a strand of hair away that’s fallen over my eye. “He cares about and respects you so damn much, Jordyn. Don’t let him down again. You hurt him by what you did, but you can fix this. The first step is going to the cemetery and being there for him.”

Swallowing hard, my hands shake as I nervously twist them together. “What if he tells me to leave?”

“He won’t. He’ll be too stunned and happy that you’re there.” Alex stands, holding his hand out. “Come on. Let’sclean you up so you can show him how much you love him, too.”

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