Page 193 of Dear #47, You're the Worst
We’re walking to the parking garage when I see him.
Patrick.
He’s leaning against a concrete pillar, uninvited, smirking like the smug piece of trash he’s always been. My whole body goes rigid.
“What the hell is he doing here?” I mutter.
Hunter doesn’t answer. He just steps in front of me, creating a barrier between Patrick and me.
Patrick strolls up, slow and cocky, like he owns the place. From the corner of my eye, I see a fan recording the interaction with interest.Great, just what I need.
“Didn’t think I’d see you two still playing house.” Patrick looks me up and down with that familiar condescending expression. “Figured this loser would’ve dumped you by now.”
I don’t flinch, but I can feel my whole body going tense.
“Walk away,” Hunter tells him quietly, his voice deadly calm.
Patrick ignores him completely, focusing on me like Hunter isn’t even there.
“Maybe little Juliet really has a thing for damaged goods. She always did like your charity cases. First me when I was struggling, now this washed-up bruiser with anger management issues.”
Hunter steps closer. “Say one more thing.”
Patrick’s smirk widens. He knows exactly what he’s doing.
“You think she really loves you? Please. This is just what Juliet does. She finds broken men and tries to fix them because it makes her feel important. Makes her feel needed.” His voice drops, making sure I can hear every word. “She’s just weaponizing that tight little body and her fake concern to get what she wants. You’re just the latest project.”
Hunter’s fist connects with Patrick’s jaw before I can even process what’s happening. His punch is so strong that Patrick goes skittering across the concrete like he’s not a 6’ athlete.
“Fuck you!” Hux seethes. “She doesn’t want you, fuckface. She’s forgotten you. Move the fuck on!”
Patrick staggers to his feet, squaring off. I grab Hunter’s arm.
“Hux, please. Don’t. This is what he wants,” I implore.
“Yeah,Hux,” Patrick says, mimicking my voice. “Be a good boy and fuck off. Juliet probably wants to be with a real man–”
“Fuck you, Patrick!” I yell. “As if I would ever let you touch me again. You couldn’t make me come once in five years. Hunter had mescreaminghis name the first time he went down on me. I get fucked three times a day, every day. Four times if he’s on the road.”
My face is red from shouting at Patrick. Something flashes, catching my eye. Shit. I forgot that there was a camera. I definitely shouldn’t have said anything, but Patrick really knows how to get under my skin.
“Easy, Firecacker.” Hunter grabs me and walks me backward. “You were right. He’s not worth it.”
Patrick steps toward us, his posture threatening. I know that Hunter is about to end his whole career right now if Patrick doesn’t back down. He might literally kill him. Thankfully, security finally appears, the guards putting themselves bravely between the two hockey players. You couldn’t pay me enough money to break up that fight.
There’s blood on Patrick’s lip and fury burning in Hunter’s eyes. I step in front of Hux, my voice shaking.
“This man is stalking me. Get him out of here,” I tell security, pointing to Patrick.
Patrick shouts, “He just proved me right, Juliet. You’re both pathetic.”
I don’t look back as he’s dragged away. I refuse to give him the satisfaction.
“Are you okay?” I ask Hunter once we’re alone.
He shakes his head. “I’m sorry. I know I fucked up. That’s exactly what he wanted me to do.”
“Hunter.” I tug at his sleeve. “Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
