Page 103 of Black Ties and White Lies

She scoffs, pulling her headband from her hair and throwing it to the ground. “You know you’re just like him. I knew not to trust one Sinclair brother, I just hadn’t expected I couldn’t trust the other.”

Her words take me so off guard I take a few steps backwards in shocked hurt.

“I want you to leave, Beck.” It’s like she’s pouring salt in an already gaping wound. I can’t do anything but grant her wish.

With my heart shredded in my chest, I look at her through bloodshot eyes. “I’ve only ever loved you, Margo. I couldn’t help it. I’ve always loved you uncontrollably. Maybe a little too much, but everything I’ve done was always out of love.”

It’s notthe same sleeping alone. I toss and turn all night, unable to turn off my mind with the questions soaring through it. The night wasn’t supposed to end the way it did. We were supposed to come home happy. I wanted to finish what we’d started in the limo. To make do on the promise of me wearing nothing but the heels for him.

I roll over in bed to grab my phone off the nightstand. I look at all of the missed notifications. It seems like a lot more people than I’d expected saw how off I was after the encounter I had with Carter. A lot of people were reaching out to check in. The only people I respond to are Winnie and Emma in our group chat.

WINNIE

How are you feeling this morning, Margie?

EMMA

I’m feeling hungover. I thought fancy champagne wasn’t supposed to make you feel like shit?

WINNIE

I didn’t ask about you. ;)

EMMA

I was trying to make Margo not feel awkward about leaving. Thanks for blowing my cover, Winnie Boo Boo.

I laugh at the nickname for Winnie. She hates it when we call her that, but neither one of us can help ourselves. She makes it too easy. My heart twinges with disappointment that I didn’t get to spend as much time with them last night as I’d wanted to. I’m a terrible friend for flying them out here and then ditching them.

MARGO

I’m fine! I just let Carter get to me more than he should have. What are you two up to?

EMMA

He’s a dick. It seemed like Papa Sinclair laid into him though. They left with things looking very heated between them.

My eyebrows raise at that bit of information. I’ve always liked Mr. Sinclair. He was always kind to me. It seemed like his boys loved him, even if they didn’t seem to love each other. I wonder what all he knows about Carter. If he knows how off he acted last night.

EMMA

I bet Beck reminded you why he was the better brother last night. ;)

WINNIE

We’re currently eating room service breakfast. Well I’m eating. Emma is complaining that the smell of pancakes is going to make her throw up.

It’s hard not to feel sad reading Emma’s text. It’s an innocent statement. We should’ve had the best time ever last night. Instead, I locked myself in my old room and refused to come out. I need some space from Beck, to think about everything I was told by each brother and decide who I believe. I need to figure out the truth, the problem is it’s buried so deep between both of their lies that I don’t know what the real truth even is.

MARGO

Would you want to grab lunch somewhere?

WINNIE

We’d love that!

EMMA

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