Page 35 of Intercept My Heart

“That’s not true. I love you, and I’m not trying to be with anyone else but you.”

“So, was that girl the only person you’ve had sex with since you’ve been here?”

“What?” His response was very telling, and it felt like a punch to the gut.

“You heard me, Dinero. I’m not stupid. Even if what you said about the girl upstairs is true, it’s clear you aren’t setting any boundaries. I wanted to believe you wouldn’t cheat on me, but we’re young, and I expected you to mess up. That’s why I suggested we take a break, but you didn’t want to listen to me.”

“I didn’t want to lose you, Rae. I’m not out here partying and fucking every bitch I see. Yes, I’ll admit that I fucked up with Harper, but it was a one-time thing. Our relationship means too much to me to throw it away over some shit I don’t even remember. You’ve got to believe that.” I could see the sincerity in his eyes, but it did nothing to make me feel better.

“I think it’s best if we go our separate ways. You’re going to be going off to the NFL soon enough, and if you can’t handle temptation now, it’ll only get worse once you step into the big leagues.”

“Rae, I love you. I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you. When I see myself being drafted and going to the NFL, you’re right there with me. I don’t want to do this without you. Please don’t do this. I’ll get an apartment for us, and you can move out here with me. Whatever I need to do to keep you with me.” Hearing him pleading almost caused me to give in, but I didn’t have the energy for this.

I’d constantly be worried about what he was doing when I was not around. These women weren’t broken and damaged theway I was. They were confident in themselves in a way I wasn’t. Even if he kept his word and remained faithful, I knew my insecurities would get in the way eventually. I wasn’t built to be the woman of a superstar. I saw the way they carried themselves, and I didn’t fit the mold.

“I know you love me, but love isn’t enough. We’re both young, and we have a lot of growth to do within ourselves. Right now, you need to focus on you, and I need to focus on me.”

“So that’s it? You’re just going to throw our relationship away over one screwup?”

“A screwup would be if you stayed out too late or missed our anniversary. You have a whole child on the way. I can’t compete with that.”

“I’m not asking you to. I’m not even sure if it’s my kid or not. All I’m asking is for you to give me a chance to fix this. Please, Sunny. I can’t do this life without you.”

The depressed look on his face almost caused me to give in, but I just couldn’t.

“I’m sorry, Dinero. I refuse to live a life looking over my shoulders, wondering if you’re being faithful. Dealing with bitches who hate me for being with you. I went through that in high school when we weren’t even official, and I’m too old for it now.”

“Sunny—”

“Goodbye, Dinero. I wish you nothing but success, and I pray you make it to the NFL someday. Take care of yourself.” I got into my car and immediately drove off. Tears flowed down my chin and onto my clothes, but I kept going. It was going to hurt me to let Dinero go, but I had no other choice but to move on.

“I’m surprised you decided to come out with us. I expected you to be laid up with your boo,” Laiti expressed, tossing her shot back. When I first came to Cullen University, I kept to myself because of my trust issues. My roommates tried to include me in the party festivities, but I normally declined. After everything that transpired with Dinero last night, I welcomed the distraction.

“We broke up, so I’m free to do whatever I want.”

“It’s his loss because you are a baddie, and any man would be lucky to have you on their arm.” Tamia hyped me up, even though I didn’t want to think about being with anyone besides Dinero.

“Girl, stop babysitting your drink! We are surrounded by fine-ass men and hella drinks. If I were you, I would cuddle up with one of these niggas to get over whatever you have going on with your man,” Arnessa pressed.

We’d been roommates for a year now, but tonight, I was seeing them in a new light. They were really cool and down to earth. Tamia reminded me a lot of Ciera, so I gravitated toward her.

An hour passed, and I finally started to feel the effects of the liquor coursing through my body. We were lit and having the time of our lives, and I loved every minute of it. Tamia danced on the table in front of us as Laiti tossed money at her.

“Bounce that ass, trick!” Arnessa screamed, joining in with Laiti. I laughed hysterically, enjoying my time with the girls. Maybe this breakup wouldn’t be as bad as I anticipated withthem around. I couldn’t remember the last time I laughed like this, and I prayed it wouldn’t be the last.

“I have to go to the bathroom,” I shouted over the music. We were in the backyard of this big ass mansion with the DJ booth directly across from where we sat.

“Do you want me to go with you?” Arnessa asked.

“You don’t have to do that. I promise, I’ll be right back.” I hated to inconvenience anyone, especially when we were having such a good time.

“No, I don’t mind, girl.” She grabbed my hand as we headed inside the house. There were just as many people inside the house as there were outside. I’d heard stories about college parties, but I’d never experienced anything like this. Arnessa stopped and asked someone where the bathrooms were. Apparently, there were multiple. We tried two bathrooms on the first level, but they were occupied, so we decided to try the ones upstairs.

My anxiety started to get the best of me with the number of people that were in the house. Couples were making out everywhere I turned. People were offering drinks left and right, to which I vehemently declined. If I’d learned nothing else, you were never supposed to take a drink you didn’t see being poured.

“Damn it, this one is full too.” Arnessa hissed as we peeped the line by the hall bathroom.

“What’s up, Nessa?” Josiah, a popular football player from our school, greeted her. Arnessa’s energy completely shifted as they gave each other googly eyes.

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