Page 261 of The Heart You Kept

She gives me a lopsided smile.

“Edward isn’t innocent in this; his behavior was inexcusable and it’s not okay,” I add.

“It wasn’t his fault, I suggested it.”

“To try and help a situation, not because you wanted to. This isn’t on you, don’t ever let anyone tell you that.”

“Thank you.” Her eyes well with tears and I know that hearing this from me means a lot to her. “Can you do me a favor?”

“Anything.”

“Look after him.”

Oh….

“I will.” I take her hands in mine. “This is just a roadblock, Hermione. Your happiness is coming.”

“You think?”

“I know.”

She looks at the ground for a bit as if wondering what to say next. “I should let you go.”

“It was lovely meeting you.”

She smiles. “You too.” She turns and I watch as she disappears into the crowd.

The crack in her heart is iridescent under the lights.

Fuck.

It’s just past 1 a.m. and I have no idea what time these kinds of parties finish.

I sip my margarita, about my tenth tonight, and Thomas smiles into his.

“What?”

“Everyone just stares at you as they walk past.”

“They do not.” I smile.

“Yes they do, and whenever Edward touches you, nearly the entire party turns and watches.”

“They do not.” I laugh, embarrassed.

“Hey, it’s a good thing.” He smiles as he looks around.

“How is that a good thing, everyone probably can’t believe that I snagged the bachelor of the universe.”

“They can’t believe that he snagged you.” He taps his glass with mine.

“Alora,” a voice from the side says.

“Pascal.” I smile in surprise. “How are you?”

“I’m good, how are you?” His eyes hold mine and he’s all doe in the headlights as he stares at me.

What is he doing here?