Chapter Thirty-Four
Flynn
“Rise and shine, sunshine.” Sloane walks over to the couch holding a cup of orange juice over my head with a bright smile playing on her face. I never did get a chance to ask her what was really going on between her and Oli.
With one eye open, I glare at her. I fell asleep on the couch as the sun was coming up, which means I got about an hour in. My body is achy, my mouth is dry, and my head is throbbing. I don’t want to move, but I have to get myself together and get to the office. I rub my temples.
“What are you going to do for clothes?” Sloane whispers, which I appreciate because I don’t think I can handle more sound than that. I don’t understand how she’s so chipper after a night of drinking.
“I don’t have a choice. I have to go back to Oli’s to get dressed.” I let out a heavy sigh because my brother is one of the last people I want to see right now, Myles being the other. It hurts to move as I sit up on the couch.
What were the two of them thinking when they made up that lie? It’s like a fucking meteor has fallen out of the sky.
I peel myself off the couch and stretch out my arms. My back is killing me as I saunter into the bathroom, desperately needing to pee. Sloane is lounging around in her PJs, since she doesn’t start work until much later.
I splash some cold water on my face and quickly use my finger to brush my teeth. Then I put the dress from last night back on.
I’m surprised she hasn’t even attempted to lecture me. She just offered me a place to stay and quiet time to think, and it was exactly what I needed.
“Thanks for letting me crash.” I lean in and give her a hug.
She gazes back at me sympathetically. “You look like you’re about to do the walk of shame,” she says, trying to brighten a very dark situation.
My lips quirk sideways, and I look down to myself. I try to force a smile, but tears begin to flow instead. “I’m sorry,” I apologize, swiping at me eyes. “I don’t know what’s gotten into me. I swear something in this city makes me cry.” I stare up to the ceiling.
Her tone turns serious. “Last night was intense. You don’t have to explain. I swear if it were me, I would’ve been a sobbing mess all night. You were quiet, which tells me you’re used to having to hide how you feel. That isn’t necessarily a good thing.” She frowns. “Trust me, I know.”
Her words hit me hard. She’s right. After my parents died, I was living with Oli in New York. I had to come across as being okay because Oli was hovering over me all the time. It was as if he was waiting for me to break. I definitely had moments where I came close, but I persevered through the hard times…with his help. I’ve been treading water for so long, I’m actually exhausted. Maybe that’s what these tears are about.
“You have a point.” I force a smile and blink away the tears.
“I’m here to listen when you’re ready.”
“Thanks.” I nod, looking down to my cell. “Shit! Gotta run. I can’t be late for work.” I’m thankful for my career right now because it pushes me forward.
“Bye,” she calls as I run out the door.
“Bye,” I answer.
Alone in the Uber I try to figure out my next steps. I quickly check my phone to see at least twenty messages from Myles.
And so on. I don’t think we have anything to talk about. I can’t be with a man who feels like he needs to lie to protect me. I want an equal partner. I don’t think it’s so much to ask for, but then maybe it is.