Page 106 of Imperfect Player

“You shouldn’t. I’m a fucking mess. Look at what I did to you today. Look at what I’m doing to some poor, sick kid. One who apparently worships me.”

“Rightfully so. Just like you have every right to be pissed—at your parents, at the situation they put you in.”

“Not him, though.”

“No, not him. He didn’t do anything.”

“I should. I should help him.”

“You should do what’s right for you.”

He shakes his head with a little chuckle. “No one wants that.”

“I do.”

“I’m scared of losing you. I’m scared of being alone again.”

I wish that there was some way for me to assure him, to tell him how much he matters to me and how little all of this affects those feelings.

The emotions taking over in combination with the alcohol has his eyes fluttering shut as he tries to mutter what’s on his mind. Bits and pieces spill through. How he loves me. How he tried. That he’s sorry. Proclamations that I don’t need because I already know.

Chapter 30

Ethan

The first thing I see is Everly. She’s curled up in bed beside me.

My head is pounding, my body aching.

I have no clue what day it is, or why she’s here.

Did we go out last night? That can’t be right. I wouldn’t drink in front of her. I wouldn’t let her see me like that again.

I sit up with a jolt as the memories start to trickle in.

My dad.

Ben.

The photo shoot.

Showing up drunk.

Our fight.

I did let her see me like that.

Getting out of bed, I head straight for the bathroom. I reach for the over-the-counter pain killers and take a handful.

“Ethan? Are you okay?”

I can see her standing behind me in the doorway.

“I’m fine. I just need a minute.”

I need a minute to not want to scream at her to get out, to not want to push her away.

Why in the fuck is she still here?

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