Page 43 of Pretty Savages

Chapter fifteen

Phoebepacesthetinyliving room, occasionally glancing at me with concern. She's deep in thought, and I feel bad. She really doesn't need more stress and drama when she already has so much going on with the wedding and her dad.

"So, let me get this straight. You got beaten up,againapparently, over a poker game with bikers?"

I nod stiffly.

She sighs, pausing her pacing and looks at me with fallen shoulders. "This is too much."

"I know," I mutter. "I'm sorry. But if it helps, I'm getting out of your hair. You won't have to worry about me until the wedding. I'm going to head back home and sort things out."

Phoebe looks at me sadly. "I don't want you to leave. I just want you to stop landing in hot water. You're sending me grey."

I offer her a small smile, which she tries to return, but neither of us are feeling overly cheery right now.

I'm holding an ice pack to my cheek, the coldness stinging it but it beats swelling. Though, judging by the way my cheek is already a nice shade of red with hints of grey, it's going to bruise quite spectacularly.

"I need to go home, Phoebs. I don't belong here anymore. And the longer I stay, the more people get hurt by me. I'm leaving a wake of collateral damage in my path, and I'll be fucking damned if I'm going to let you or anyone I care about, end up there too."

She stalks over and sits next to me on the couch with a heavy sigh. "You do seem happier there," she mumbles.

I lean my head on her shoulder. "I manage to keep out of trouble. And I have three roommates who rely on me for breakfast. I have an awesome job. I think you'd really like Tara. And my customers… man, I can't wait to hear about George's date."

Phoebe glances at me, amused from the corner of her eye. "You know," she says finally, "it's not all your fault. Your family have pushed you to breaking limits. And it's only natural to feel the way you do. Not to mention the drama with Asher. It takes two to tango. But Ry… you guys are toxic."

Toxic.

"I know we are," I mutter quietly. "And I hate how fucking drawn I am to him. I hate how easily he gets to me."

"You love him," she says. "Love makes us do crazy things."

I straighten up. "I don't love him anymore," I argue.

Phoebe shakes her head. "I think a part of you does. Or at least, the idea of what you thought could have been. And it hurts when we're betrayed by those closest to us."

I think of Asher and Jenny, and nod. "They deserve each other," I reply, knowing she will know who I am talking about.

"Maybe after the wedding, when things settle, I can come visit you," she offers.

I reach down and grab her hand, squeezing it. "You're welcome anytime, you know that. You just enjoy your honeymoon and time with your dad. I'm not going anywhere. Besides Rosevale is only four hours away. If you need me, I'll always be there."

Phoebe tilts her head back, letting out a sad sigh. "I know. I just wish things were easier for both of us right now."

"Me too," I mumble.

We spend the rest of the night just talking, not even bothering with alcohol. We're so far gone at this point that there's no point trying to numb it. It's time to just face the music.

Life is a bit fucked.

"You're back!" Jeremy squeals, running down the pathway as I get out of the Chevy.

I let out a oof as he tackles me into the side of the car, followed by a whine.

"Jer…" I mumble. "Easy, please. I'm fragile."

He stands by, his eyes widening as he looks at my face. "What the fuck happened?"

"My old life happened," I say, heading to the trunk to fetch my suitcase.

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