Page 84 of From the Wreckage
If he knew the truth—what she and I did last night, the way I feel for her—he’d never forgive me. He’d kill me, and he’d be right to.
I force myself to respond, my fingers stiff.
Me: She’s fine. I’ve got an eye out. Nothing to worry about.
The lie tastes like ash.
Me: When will you be home?
Grayson: Tomorrow afternoon. Found something good at the swap. Little further away than I planned, but worth it.
Me: Awesome. Take your time. Everything’s good here.
Grayson: Knew I could count on you. Thanks, friend.
Friend.The word sears. Guilt races through me like wildfire, scorching every vein.
I set the phone down and drag both hands through my hair, his texts tearing me apart.
I should end this. Tell her last night was a mistake. That she should go back to her life without me. Make her face the reality that whatever we’ve built here can’t survive in the real world.
But then she laughs softly at something on the TV, curls tighter into the blanket, and I’m wrecked all over again.How the hell am I supposed to give her up? How do I let go of the only person who’s made me feel alive in years?
I tell myself I’ll stop tomorrow. Just one more day. One more night. One final chance to hold her and pretend.
But that’s a lie. Because with Brielle, one more will never be enough.
When I look up, she’s smiling at me from the couch, sleepy and content, as if the world isn’t about to collapse around us. My chest constricts.
I should end this before it goes any further. Before Grayson finds out. Before the town gossip hardens into truth.
But I can’t.
God help me, I can’t.
CHAPTER 59
Brielle
The bellover the grocery store door jingles as I step inside, my purse swinging at my hip. It’s just a quick trip for milk, bread, and coffee before Dad returns home. But in a town like Silverpoint, even a quick trip isn’t safe.
Near the produce, I hear Mrs. Keating and Mrs. Rowland, two women who’ve known me since I was ten. Their heads are bent close, their voices pitched low…but I can still hear what they’re saying.
“Grayson’s daughter has been spending an awful lot of time with that older man, Everett, this summer,” Mrs. Keating murmurs.
Mrs. Rowland tsks. “You’ve noticed, too?”
My pulse spikes. I freeze mid-step, my fingers tightening on the handle of my purse.
“Mmm hmm. Funny how she’s always smiling these days. Practically glowing. First love will do that to a girl.”
“Shame it’s with a man like him. He’s too old for her, and I’ve heard things. Dark things. He’ll ruin that girl… and her father will be crushed when he finds out.”
The words hit like stones.
My vision blurs, and nausea wells inside me.
I force myself to move, to grab apples I don’t even need, before they see me eavesdropping. My face burns, and my ears buzz.
