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“No comment,” Kade says as he pulls into my driveway.
I glance around, noting that there are no cars in sight. They’re being smooth, probably parking on the other side of the street.
I really don’t feel like a party.
I push the door open on the passenger side and plaster a smile on my face anyway. I don’t want anyone to think I’m not happy to be home or that I don’t appreciate their thoughtful gesture.
But as I make my way to the front door, I feel more numb than anything. I’m pretty sure my heart is on its way to New York City and I’m not so sure that the risk I took with Nila was worth the heartache I got in return.
“Come on,” Kade grunts, stepping in front of me. “It’s better to just get it over with.”
I nod. “Yeah, let’s just rip the Band-Aid off.”
He pulls the door open and I step into the darkened space, reach out, and then flip the light on.
“Welcome home!” everyone shouts, jumping and cheering.
I force a smile.
Welcome home.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Nila
Welcome home, Cam!
I read the post from the team on social media, and then immediately exit out of it. He’s back in Atlanta, surrounded by all his friends, family, and teammates. He has people to wrap him up and love on him the moment he walks through the door...
But no one was waiting for me to come home.
My eyes drift across my empty one-bedroom apartment. It’s in a great neighborhood. It’s got all the latest happenings going on around it, but the loneliness is real. I have a social media strategy meeting with Garrett Norris tomorrow and he tagged me in a post about it.
Which has led to an influx of virtual praise.
But not a single phone call. Just messages, likes, and comments.
I set my phone down and lie back, my eyes zoning out on the light over my white duvet. The lighting is perfect for a selfie, but I don’t feel like taking one. All those followers, but none of them really know me. And those who did, I pushed away after Gran died to protect myself from getting hurt.
But I let Cameron know me.
I swallow the heartbreak.
It’s self-inflicted. I’m self-aware enough to know that. I know I could’ve dove off the deep end and tried something with him—and part of me wanted to. I really, really wanted to. But I just don’t see how there’s any way I could do that and chase my career.
My head is at war with my heart, and as my phone rings beside me, I welcome the distraction. I pick it up, surprised to see Brittany’s name on the screen.
“Hey,” I answer, keeping my voice light and vibrant. Considering we haven’t talked in months, I have no clue what this call could be about.
“Oh my gosh, hey!” Brittany beams. “I totally saw that you got a job with Garrett Norris, and that is so amazing. I just wanted to call and congratulate you.”
“Thanks,” I say tersely, my eyes flickering up to the massive window, the warm glow of the setting sun filling my room. “That’s sweet of you.”
“Yeah...” She hesitates. “Are you back in the city?”
“Um, yeah, I just got back a couple of days ago,” I tell her, trying not to sound annoyed by the conversation. I want to talk. I just don’t want to think about anything. “Are you still hanging around here?”
“Yeah, I moved to a flat in Chelsea. It’s not far from your place,” she says. “Are you busy tonight? I know that we haven’t talked in a while, but I really enjoyed hanging out with you.”
