Page 93 of For Keeps. For Always.

I hate myself for wanting her to feel lonely enough that the thought of rejecting my olive branch suffocates her.

I hate that I’m asshole enough to know I want her hurting so she letsmein to take away her pain. Even if it’s just for a night.

My phone sounds with a notification, and I pick it up, sucking in a quick, sharp breath.

Henley: You shouldn’t have swiped on me.

28

HENLEY

Brooks:Same could be said for you.

Touché.

Two years of healing.

Of forgetting.

All erased the moment he extended an invitation at contact.

I’m pathetic.

Henley: I shouldn’t have messaged you.

Brooks: Yet here we are.

Henley: Here we are.

Brooks: You’re in NYC.

Henley: I’m here for a mixology course.

Brooks: Have to admit, I never imagined you’d step foot on home soil.

Henley: It’s still a part of the world. It’s still somewhere I need to explore.

I’m being purposely distant. I want to talk to him. But I also hate myself for wanting that.

Brooks: If you don’t want to talk to me, Henley. Just say so.

Henley: I don’t want to talk to you.

My heart beats in my chest vigorously.

Henley: But I can’t stop myself from needing to.

Brooks: I can’t tell you I’m not thankful for that. Do you hate me?

I stare at his message, my eyes stinging.

How do I answer that?

I stall, unsure what truth to unveil.

Brooks: It’s okay if you do. I hate you a little bit too.

My heart stutters at his words.

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