Page 32 of Too Good to be True

I am most angry at myself. Angry because I let Corey the dick destroy who I was. Angry because I allowed him to chew away at my confidence and self-worth bit by bit to the point that now I'm insecure and unsure of myself.

Mostly, I'm angry that I gave myself so willingly and completely to Tim. I gave him a chunk of my heart, whether I realized it or not, and I don't think I can take that piece back. I don't think he'll return it to me.

There's a knock on my door. A low knock, but definitely a knock. I don't know if I'm upset or relieved. One of them cared enough to come after me.

"I know you're in there, Bailey."

It's him. My eyes fill with tears. Tears of joy. Tears of relief. I was right. Everything I've been afraid to believe I'm seeing in his eyes, feeling in the tenderness of his touch, it's spot on, or else he wouldn't be here.

I open the door, and I don't know who moves first, but the next second I'm in his strong arms. They hold me. Steady me. I allow the tears to fall. I don't want this to end, but I know in a little more than twenty-four hours, Tim and everything that happened on this trip will be behind me and placed into a special memory vault in my heart.

"Oh, no you don't," he whispers, using his thumbs to wipe the tears from my eyes. "No crying on my watch. Especially if it’s because another guy made you believe you’re not good enough just the way you are."

I shake my head. "It’s not. I'm sorry. I was such a bitch . . . I didn't mean to walk away and leave you."

"It's fine." He kisses the top of my head and rubs my back. "I've got you. And I'm not letting you go."

“Yes, you are.”

“Says who?”

"I'm leaving in two days."

"Then don't go. Stay here with me."

Is he real?I shake my head. “Very funny.”

“I’m not joking.”

For one second I allow myself to indulge in the fantasy.

"I can't."

"Why not? What do you have waiting for you back at home?"

"I have . . ." How does he know? The truth is, I can't think of one thing.

“Give me an extra week. Just one. Let’s see where this goes.”

He's asking for one week, not an indefinite amount of time. What am I rushing back for? There's no boyfriend. No job I can't live without. "I don't know."

"Think about it. It's an open offer. All you have to do is change your airline ticket. I'll pay."

My eyes drop. "I don't know." I don't. Why prolong our goodbye? In the end, it will only hurt more.

"I don't need an answer right now. Take your time."

I nod.

"But for tonight, I'm sure your friend would like for you to go back down and join her."

I shake my head. "I'm so embarrassed. I’m a hot mess."

The corner of his mouth ticks up, "That's just how I like you."

After another long hug, I let Tim take me by the hand and lead me back down to the rehearsal dinner. We get there just as Ian is holding his glass up to toast the bride and groom. He stops mid-sentence when he sees us and stares.

"Sorry," I mouth to Francesca as we make our way to the empty seats next to her, and return a nod of acknowledgement to Sam.

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