Page 119 of Never Your Girl

37

Holland

The room feels emptier than it should, like a hollowed-out shell of what it was just days ago. Maybe it’s because most of my belongings are already stuffed into the duffel bag on the bed. It’s the same one I dragged here weeks ago when staying with Bridger felt like punishment.

At the time, I’d counted down the days until I could leave. I didn’t want to be anywhere near him.

Now, the thought of walking out that door feels like a kick to the gut.

I smooth out a shirt before folding it neatly and placing it on top of the pile in my bag. My fingers linger on the fabric, and my throat tightens as I stare at the open zipper. Each piece of clothing I add feels like another goodbye I’m not ready for.

I don’t want to go.

Not anymore.

At some point, without realizing it, being here with Bridger started to feel like home. Not the kind I grew up in, but the kind I’d always hoped for. Safe, warm, full of something I can’t quite put into words.

With him.

But safe is a lie, isn’t it?

A fleeting illusion.

Especially when the fragile trust we’ve been building is fractured.

A few days ago, everything felt precariously close to perfect. Now, it feels like I’m standing on shattered glass, every step slicing deeper.

The sharp buzz of my phone on the nightstand cuts through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present. I hesitate, my hand hovering in the air, my heart pounding.

I reach for it and swipe at the screen. ColdAsIce17’s name lights it up like a beacon. The familiar sight makes my chest ache. It’s a mix of comfort and something far more complicated.

I tap the message open and hold my breath as his words appear.

ColdAsIce17

You’ve been seeing someone, right?

I frown.

Me

Yes. How did you know?

ColdAsIce17

Not important. Do you care about him?

The message stares back at me, sharp and loaded. I sit down on the edge of the bed, my heart sinking like a stone, as my thoughts churn. Finally, I type out the truth, my chest tightening as I hit send.

Me

I do. But I’m pretty sure it’s over.

The reply comes back immediately.

ColdAsIce17

Is that what you want?

---