Page 38 of Changing Rules

“Considering every blurb I’ve read calls her a ‘mystery blonde,’ I take it you didn’t tell him anything.”

“You’re correct.”

“Do you know who she is, though?”

“Curiosity killed the cat, Tom.” I clomp up the porch steps, then turn and sit on the top one.

“Thank God I’m not a cat.” He bursts out laughing.

I snicker. He’s never going to change.

“Who is she?”

“It’s his ex-girlfriend, Stacey.”

“Okay…why is he spending time with her?”

“I don’t know,” I say. The words come out strangled.

“That doesn’t make any sense.”

“Stacey and her mother own an event planning company. Audrey hired them to plan her baby shower.”

“Wow, wow, wow,” Tom says. His voice is so loud I have to pull the phone away from my ear. “Okay, I won’t ask why his sister didn’t hire Ben’s company soyoucould help her, but what does any of that have to do withhimand his ex? How did they even reconnect?”

I tell him about the dinner Audrey invited us to two weeks ago, how Stacey showed up.

“What the fuck? Audrey is torturing you! It’s manipulation! Why didn’t Xander put her in her place?” he asks, his voice trembling with anger. “His sister needs a reality check—and to mind her own business!”

“Why?” I let out a humorless laugh and stand. “Because she wants me gone. Now that he’s hanging out with his ex—and hiding it from me—maybe she’s succeeding.”

As I pick up my bag, movement on my left catches my eye. But when I turn, all I find are trees and shadows. I stay planted, waiting for another movement, but the rustling of branches is all I get.

“Bella?” Tom says. “Do you want to come over? Or I can come to yours?”

“No. Everything’s going to be okay. Really.” I stick my key into the lock. “I’ll ask Xander about the photos, about why he’s hanging out with her in secret. If he’s not who I think he is, it’s better to let him go now. I’d prefer to break my own heart rather than give him that power.”

“I understand,” he says, his voice soft. “Call me tomorrow, okay?”

“I don’t think I’ll be in the mood to talk tomorrow. I’ve been summoned to dinner with my mother.”

“Don’t go alone, please,” he says. His concerned tone causes tears to prick at the backs of my eyes. “No matter what happens between you and Walker, don’t go there alone. Call me, and I’ll come with you.”

“Okay.” Chest aching with a mix of gratitude for Tom and heartache over Xander, I step inside. “Bye.”

Just as I suspected, he isn’t home. Without turning the lights on, I make my way to the bedroom. I have no trouble navigating in the dark. I know this place like the back of my hand.

I love it here.

For a little while, I had a place where I felt safe, loved, appreciated. I created so many great memories inside this house, every one of them heartwarming and passionate. Happy memories. Full of love and affection.

But today has taken a toll on me. My happy memories have already begun to fade, and in their place, unhealthy fantasies have blossomed.

I’m tired of myself, of my constant doubts and insecurities, of the way they block the path to what could be a happy life. A life in which I’m sure of myself no matter what.

I crave that kind of life.

I’m fucking desperate for it.

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