Page 86 of Bitter Truths

“Maybe,” I say.

I put myself in the situation, and nothing I say or do changes that ugly reality.

“Anyway, I’m going to a party at Griffin’s.” I hold up my hand when he goes to speak. “Don’t worry. I’ve learned my lesson about revenge. Now, I just need to figure out how to pretend it isn’t killing me that he’s with Miranda.”

“Oh, that’s rough.”

“It is, but also my own fault. Anyway, you can come.”

“Of course, I’ll come,” he says with his signature kind brown eyes.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes,” he says firmly, and with a gentle pulse of appreciation in my heart, I smile wide. “Max is meeting me here. We’ll go together.”

“Oh.” His cheeks suffuse with color, and I hide my amusement.

I don’t know if Max’s protestations about his bisexuality are true, but if they’re not, I can’t think of a more amazing person than Aaron for him.

Of course, Max has his own issues, but I suspect Aaron could temper those things for Max the same way he does for me. He’s the calming force that I need, even when he’s just being his damn self.

“Okay, better get ready then,” I say playfully.

“Girl, I was born ready,” he mocks before disappearing into his room to change.

∞∞∞

It’s moment-of-truth time. I’m staring at Griffin’s house, lit up from within and with bass music pumping from the open door.

The house is packed, which is good because maybe I can get the awkward hellos out of the way and avoid Griff and Miranda after. I’m here to show him I’m past this and him, which is a charade I’m not sure either of us will believe.

But it’s the only thing I’m clinging to when there’s nothing left to grasp. I’m drifting, and I don’t know how to reach the shore.

“Ready?” Max asks gruffly.

I nod with a grim smile, knowing this is tough for him too, although I have hope for him because I think he actually blushed when he spotted Aaron waiting beside me back at the house.

I spy Griffin immediately because he’s my fucking person and dizziness assails me at the sight of Miranda beside him with a drink in her hand. He’s holding her loosely around the waist, and I falter.

But I breathe through it as we enter, stepping aside so Max can greet friends I never had the chance to make. I’ve always been on the outside of Griffin’s orbit, and in a way, this is no different.

As if sensing my presence, Griffin glances up and meets my gaze. His eyes flash before his mouth stretches in a tight smile as we approach.

“Halsey, Max,” Miranda says with false cheer, and I nod a greeting through clenched teeth. I have no clue what Griffin was thinking about taking her back, but either way, the false pleasantries make my skin crawl.

“Miranda,” Max says stiffly. He nods at Griff before joining others in the crowd.

Aaron greets them both with a hearty smile, to which I squeeze his hand, grateful for my friend because this is as painfully fucking awkward as I thought it would be.

“Griffin!” someone calls out, and he steps away. Thank fuck. I’m practically hyperventilating, and we’ve been here less than five minutes.

Get your shit together, Halsey.

Miranda shifts uncomfortably, refusing to meet my icy stare before smiling and murmuring, “I should check the ice.”

The comment is innocent enough, but it sends a shard of pain through me anyway because the domestic task is now something she’s in charge of as part of their couple.

Fuck me.

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