Page 68 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

“Save your explanation. I’ve heard too many explanations.” I wanted to make it back to my car before I started crying.

“I don’t want to fight.” He followed me.

I kept my back to him. “I thought you were different than those other guys.”

“I am, Delaney. But I think you know that.” He opened my car door. “You just won’t stop long enough to listen to logic.”

His implication that I was behaving like my mom burned in my chest. He’d used my own vulnerability to hurt me. Tears streamed down my cheeks. Not only was I mad at Eli, but I was also mad at myself for being open and honest with him.

Struggling to catch my breath, I climbed into my car. I’d been so convinced that Eli was one of the good guys, but he was like all the others.

When I made it back to the store, I called Tessa. “Hey, I have a favor to ask.”

“What do you need?” She didn’t sound happy.

“I told Eli to give you my stuff from his place. No hurry.” I flopped on the bed and stared at the ceiling. “This really hurts.”

“The pain is self-inflicted. You wouldn’t even listen to him.”

“He told you that I went over there?” Having his cousin as my best friend made this whole thing more complicated.

Sherlock barked in the background.

“I heard the whole thing.”

“You’re at Eli’s? I didn’t see your car.” I spun my keys around my finger, watching the tiny canister of pepper spray swinging back and forth.

She gave a small huff. “My car isn’t here. Listen, I—” She sighed. “I know I promised. I’m not telling her.” That last part was clearly not directed at me.

“Tessa! Not tell me what?”

“What I promised I wouldn’t. He’ll tell you when you give him a chance and listen to him. In person. I never asked to be in the middle of this.” Her voice wavered. “You were both so happy. Didn’t you like being happy?”

“If staying single is good enough for you, I might try it too.” I wiped my eyes. “Give Sherlock a kiss for me.”

“I amnotkissing a dog. Call me later if you need to talk.”

“Bye.” I threw my phone across the room.

When it landed in multiple pieces, I regretted my tantrum.

Now I needed a new phone.

* * *

Monday morning,I skipped coffee and doughnuts but managed to open the store on time. Business was slow, but I made sure my smile didn’t fade. If I could make it through today, I’d get the keys to my house tomorrow, and little by little the ache would wane.

It had to.

Right now, breathing was a chore. I think it had something to do with the war going on between my gut, brain, and heart. So many times during the day, I reached for the phone, wanting to text Eli and ask for that explanation. But my phone no longer worked.

Mondays were normally long. This Monday lasted a lifetime.

Just before closing, the door opened, and when Eli’s mom walked in, my heart landed near my feet. I wasn’t at all prepared to face his mom.

She flashed a wide smile, acting like my relationship with her son hadn’t gone up in flames. “Hi. How are you? I haven’t seen Eli since Friday, and he keeps me updated.”

“I’m okay.” Was that a vague enough answer? “Can I help you with something?”

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