Page 74 of Changing Rules

They’ve been chatting about their favorite movies and reminiscing about the ones they watched together for the last forty minutes. Xander’s comment a moment ago was the firsttime he’s acknowledged me since they got onto the topic. I tried to join in once, when Stacey went on and on about howThe Vampire Diarieswent to shit after the first two seasons. She looked at me for a moment, then continued her monologue.

The more they talk, the heavier my heart feels. The way she touches him is not okay. What’s worse is how he never tries to stop her. He never even shifts to hint she’s crossing a line. Their conversation is light and easy and, I hate to admit, flirty. The flirtation is mostly on her side, yes, but he’s playing along. All those smiles, the bright eyes, the laughter.

I’m the third wheel.

What did I expect? He went through hell because of me. His sister wants me gone. And with Stacey…he’s relaxed. Happy.

I’ve been worried about how moving to New York will affect our relationship, but the truth is, after all we’ve been through, our relationship has changed. Now, Audrey will certainly continue to manipulate him, and when I’m not around, Stacey will be. If this conversation is any indication, she’s into him. So what am I even hoping for?

Maybe I’m better off putting us both out of our misery.

Stacey is a constant reminder of everything I’m not. Xander admires her strength and her confidence, all while stifling my attempts to stand up for myself. If I leave, Stacey will be here to help him move on. They were happy together once, and they clearly still enjoy one another. Who knows what would’ve happened if not for Jake?

There’s one thing I know for certain: I don’t want to live with regret. I have to go to New York, and I can’t revert back to my old ways. I won’t stay hidden in my shell. I want to take full breaths for once, and in this environment, that won’t be possible.

A breakup is exactly what we need. Both of us. It’ll be for the best.

We are a perfect match, and if we stay together, we’re guaranteed to burn.

CHAPTER 19

I NEED YOU TO LET ME GO

XANDER

One year ago

August

“Yeah, you could say that,”I say, focusing on the road. “It’s early, but I want to plan something for Bella for Christmas. By then, we’ll need it.”

“That place is awesome,” Stacey says, her voice loud through the speakers. “I think you’ll love it.”

Stacey and I have fallen into an easy routine: lunch once a week, texts if we have something to discuss, and the occasional phone call. It’s a pleasure having a friend like her.

“What are your plans for tonight?” I ask. “Another date?”

“Nope, Nathan is boring. I don’t like boring,” she whines.

“Sorry to hear that.” I can’t help but laugh. “I can introduce you to some guys from the team.”

“Football players aren’t my thing,” she says, her pitch a little high, like she’s cringing. “Sorry, but no. You were the only one, and that was enough.”

“Ouch.”

I’m close to our neighborhood, ready to take a quick shower and hang out with Bella. It’s only been a few hours since I sawher, and I already miss her. I have no idea how I’ll manage when she leaves for New York in a couple of weeks. I’ll probably be like a lost puppy. Milo will be good company, I guess.

“I said what I said.” She dismisses me with ease.

We reconnected two months ago, and not once in that time have I felt even remotely attracted to her. Stacey is just a friend.

“Don’t take it personally,” she says. “I’m just being honest.”

“I know.”

As I pull in, I frown. There’s a car in the driveway. I don’t remember Bella mentioning Ben would be here today.

“Er, I gotta go, Stace.” I hang up, suddenly feeling uneasy. It’s just Ben, yet his presence feels like an omen.

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