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There’s a short silence before Rachel speaks again. As if she was giving Rose a chance to correct herself. “We had a nice ride. But I think we’re over for good this time. No more breaks, Rose. No more us.”
“I don’t want that.”
“But I do and, for once, I’m going to put myself first.”
“You’re breaking my heart. I hope you know that.”
Rachel lets out a small genuine laugh. “No. I’m really not. You don’t know what it’s like to get your heart broken. And even if you do, you’re Rose White. Someone will come fix it in no time.”
Rachel leaves before Rose can say another word. When she walks past me, she pauses from surprise for a second but doesn’t say anything. She just wipes the tears that are falling from her eyes and keeps walking.
I shouldn’t have stayed. I’ve intruded on an important moment in their lives and relationship. Guilt gnaws at me, but I feel like now that I know, Rose could probably use a friend. I take a step toward her as I see her sit back down on the lounger, put her arms on her knees, and her head on her arms.
“Rose,” I say as I approach.
She doesn’t lift her head, but I can hear her loud and clear. “Fuck off, Jamie. And, by the way, eavesdropping is rude as fuck.” Her voice is threatening enough for me to get the message.
I take a few steps back and hurry to the backyard.
As soon as I’m outside I take a deep breath. That was intense and the cold air can only do me good.
The patio is made of dark blue hard tiles until the floor turns into lawn. They even have outside warmers like those fancy restaurants on Stoneview main street. The only lights are the countless fairy lights that surround the yard. Not everyone’s face is clear, but it’s lit enough to continue the party outside.
I try to relax a little. Rose won’t be mad at me. She has bigger things to worry about. How long has she been with Rachel? Their on and off relationship has been going on forever. And she loves her, that much is clear. Yet, she still doesn’t open herself up to her. It’s like Rachel knows nothing of Rose’s life prior to Stoneview. Like me with Jake. I know he loves me. We haven’t said it to each other but it’s there, it’s real. Then when will he open up about his past? He avoids the topic like the plague. He always has an excuse not to talk about it. He will change the topic in any way he can, more often than not he will push me to my knees and fuck my mouth as a punishment for asking things I shouldn’t. I know Stoneview Jake and I know what hides behind the mask, but I don’t know what made him this way. And right now I’m scared I never will.
“You look like you just got told off, beautiful.”
I jump at the voice that I recognize too easily. My heartbeat doubles as I turn to my right, towards the familiar face.
Beautiful ashy blond hair in a small bun, a jaw so hard it could cut concrete, dark glasses surrounding deep, dark, blue eyes.
“Nathan,” I breathe out. I can’t even hide my surprise and swallow thickly to try and ground myself.
