Page 105 of I Blame the Rival

“Y-Yes.”

He throws Trip a wink before turning back to me, “Hate to break it to you, Lacey doll, but you aren’t going to be able to wear oversized clothes to work every day. Don’t you think it’s time to update the wardrobe a little?”

My shoulders hunch on instinct and I have to bite the apology off my tongue before it can slip out.

Trip frowns, glancing between us, “The last time I checked, business clothes weren’t mandatory for classes.”

“My mistake.” Jerrell turns and gives her a charming smile, “You’re brave bringing this girl to a plant shop. Give her a leaf and she’ll put you to sleep with facts about water dosage and sunlight in no time.”

Trip shuffles her feet awkwardly, “Actually, I love learning new things. Lacey’s knowledge is quite remarkable.”

“Well, whatever you do, don’t take her to the bookstore. She’ll have you there for fucking hours.” He lets out a laugh, “Don’t let the pretty exterior fool you. This girl is a bigger nerd than that guy onThe Big Bang Theory.”

I try not to flinch, but it’s no use.

The excruciating memories come flooding back, the casual taunts made to seem innocent and playful when they were always meant to hurt. I used to think that maybe I was too sensitive, maybe I didn’t understand his sense of humour.

By the time I realized the malicious intent behind the jokes and comments, it was too late.

Jerrell had gotten what he wanted and he didn’t bother sticking around to pick up the pieces.

“Anyways, I better get going. Things to do, important people to meet…” He trails off, catching my eye, “You remember how it was when I moved to your town. All work and no fun until someone of interest comes around.”

I swallow the nausea in my throat, remembering exactly who that person of interest was the last time.

“But hey, worse comes to worst I can always hit you up to keep me entertained.” He grins, those horrible eyes locked on mine, “Take care of yourself, Lacey. I’ll see you around.”

Jerrell doesn’t acknowledge Trip before turning and walking back out the door. I listen to the echo of his footsteps fade away, the same sound I heard after he shattered me into pieces.

“He’s kind of a dick.” Trip pulls a face, “No offence but I hope we don’t see him around. How did you know him?”

“I need to go.”

Trip’s response gets lost behind me as I stumble out into the fresh air, desperately gulping down oxygen as I scan the street for Jerrell’s build.

The street is completely empty, his presence gone except for the weight pressing down on me. I try to break into a run, but my fumbling movements send me face down on the ground.

The rough concrete scrapes my palms and knees, burning a hole through my leggings as the tears start to fall.

“Lacey? What’s going on?”

Trip reaches out to touch me but I scream and jerk away.

The memories are too much, the pain is too much, and I crumble to pieces right there on the pavement. Sobbing into my knees, I curl up into the fetal position and let my tears stain the concrete beneath me.

“It’s going to be okay. Lacey, just calm down-

“No.” My voice breaks on a sob, “It’s not okay. I’m not okay.”

“Breathe Lacey. Come on, just breathe.”

“STOP!” The scream rips from my throat as if I’m still trapped in the backseat of Jerrell’s car, “Please stop. Just stop.”

“Oh God. I don’t know what to do.”

Trip sounds like she’s on the verge of tears herself, but I can’t do anything to help. My mind is unravelling faster than the hole in my leggings.

“I’m going to call your brother, okay? He’ll be here shortly and then we can figure everything out.”

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