Page 97 of Promise and Punishment

“I see you’re feeling better… Christ, Gemma, you’re fast.”

“I want a good work out,” I said. “I mean, I have to hurry up. I have to leave today.”

“Leave?” Parker scrunched his brow. “I don’t understand.”

You wouldn’t, and I don’t need to explain myself, about how every hope I have is just another letdown waiting to happen.I was just anxious, my fear a byproduct of every experience I ever had. Abandoned by a father, abandoned by Alejandro, warned by Claire, affirmed by Parker.

I came to the Hamptons to get clarity, but instead acquired a new set of questions and uncertain futures. Alejandro still hadn’t reached out, Parker was changing before my eyes, and St. La Vie was now wanting to see me. Shit. I was so unprepared, unable to focus on something that I should’ve been excited for.

I had to leave the Hamptons.

I had to go back to Manhattan and concentrate on this one opportunity, because if I stayed here, if I stared too long, I’d never want to leave.

I had to lie.

“St. La Vie’s office messaged back. They’re bumping up the meeting.”

“Ok. I’ll take you.” Parker offered.

“No. I’m fine.”

“Why not? This is important.”

“Yes, but this is your vacation.”

“It’sourvacation. Besides, I can spend it how I want, and if that involves taking you home, then so be it.”

“It involves Camilla, too. You can’t just leave her behind.”

“She’ll understand,” his sprint turned into a jog. “Will you slow down for a moment?”

“You’re a runner. Just keep up with me.”

“That’s not why I’m asking. We need to talk.”

“About what?” I barked, but didn’t mean to, playing ignorant to the fact that last night was huge. I could already feel my eyes water.

“About my apology… about last night, about these past few months.”

“I forgive you,” I lied. “Can I just borrow the car and you drive back with Mama Meg and Al?” I asked, bypassing any mention of how I felt.

I wasn’t sure if I could truly forgive him or what that would even look like. All I knew was that I was more disoriented than I was mad. It didn’t feel good.

“Will you just look at me?” Parker pleaded.

“Not right now, Parker.”

“Why not?”

“Because I want to run,” I answered.

“And run from what exactly? You’re acting weird.”

“I’m not acting weird, Parker.”

“You are. You’re doing it again,” he sighed.

“Doing what?”

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