“I think you’re wrong, Lauder.”
“Are you in love with her or something? Because I don’t understand why you keep jumping to her defense.”
“C’mon, man. That’s the easiest part in all this.”
I stare him down, and he rolls his eyes. “I’ve known her since we were kids. We lost our virginity to one another, and I’ve been a shitty friend to her these past few years. I barely gave her a passing thought. If I had, I would’ve realized something was going on with her. Why don’t you see that?”
“You’re delusional, man. I know what I see, and it’s not some meek, innocent girl needing protection. She’s harnessed her craziness and perfected her acting skills, and that makes her lethal.”
“I don’t agree. Your feelings for her mean you aren’t seeing it clearly.”
“Don’t fucking tell me what I feel!” I shout, hopping up. “That has nothing to do with this. You didn’t see the look on her face when she was telling me. No one accepts an anonymous donation with such glee. She wasn’t even curious about her benefactor. She was looking at me with this knowing look, and she could barely contain herself the whole time. She knows where the money came from, Hunt. She fucking knows.” I bury my head in my hands, so fucking annoyed at my stupidity. When I lift my eyes, I meet Hunt’s conflicted gaze. “She might as well have planted a ‘sucker’ sticker on my brow she was that fucking obvious!”
He sighs again. “Okay. Calm down before you give yourself an aneurysm.”
I flip him the bird, my mind processing options, because I need a new plan. She’s not getting away with this. The game is still on; it’s just moved to a new level.
“Let me talk to her,” Hunt offers.
“Like fuck you will. That’ll ruin everything, or haven’t you been listening?”
“I—”
“He wants me dead, Hunt.” I cut him off. “I killed Trent, and he won’t rest until he kills me. Think I’m delusional all you want, but you know the way that sick fuck’s mind works. You talk to Nessa, and you might as well write my death warrant.”
He rubs at his temples, considering it for a few minutes, before he sighs in resignation. “Okay. What’s the plan?”
“She thinks she can mess with my head? I’ll give her a taste of her own medicine. I’m gonna fuck her up so bad she’s incapable of doing anything that asshole asks her to do.”
“Lauder.”
“Don’t use that fucking tone with me, Hunt.” I glare at my best buddy. “The only way to get to him right now is through her.”
“I can’t stand by and watch you hurt her. This feels wrong.”
“What they did to Dani was wrong!” I scream. “Or is Nessa more important than my tortured, dead sister?”
Hunt’s anger sharpens, and his eyes narrow. “I can’t believe you said that.”
“You’ve got to choose. Nessa or Dani. You can’t pick both sides.”
“Jesus Christ, Lauder.” Hunt hops up. “You’ve lost your fucking mind. Do you even hear yourself? How fucking crazy you sound? This is not some twisted competition, and Nessa had nothing to do with what happened to Dani,” he shouts.
I stand, shoving his chest. “How do you know?” Blood turns to ice in my veins as the thought pops in my head. “Nessa was around Dani every summer. How do we know she didn’t help Christian kidnap her? That she hasn’t been in on this all along?” I grab hold of that train of thought and run with it. “Maybe, that’s why she was so fucking trashed all the time. She needed to blot out the truth of what she’d done.”
“You need help, Jackson.” Hunt’s expression softens. “You never dealt with Dani’s death. You buried your grief with booze and weed. And this fixation with revenge is changing you. It’s destroying you, and you can’t even see it.” He waves his hands in front of me. “You’ve lost yourself, man, and I’m worried. You need to let it go. Make amends with your dad, and move forward with your life.”
“You don’t know shit, Hunt.”
“I know this man in front of me, spouting crazy ridiculous shit about the woman he loves, is not who you are.”
I open my mouth to protest, but he cuts me off.
“Deny it all you fucking want, but I know you are in love with her like she is in love with you. This can be resolved if you just sit down and talk to her.”
“Fuck me.” My lips pull into a sneer. “You’re like a broken record, and I don’t feel like repeating myself. That’s not gonna happen.”
“I can’t do this anymore.”
“Three minutes ago, you said okay!”
“I’ve changed my mind. I trust my gut, and my gut says she’s innocent in all this. I don’t want any harm to come to you or her. The only way we can achieve that is by working together.”
“I disagree, and there’s no way I’m opening up that conversation with her.”
He pinches the bridge of his nose, pinning me with a weary look as he says, “Then, you’re on your own.”
“Fine. I’ll manage it myself.” I step up to him, nostrils flaring. “But you don’t breathe a word to Nessa or tell any of the others. You agree you won’t interfere, and I won’t tell Xavier about Sydney.”
His face pales, and his lips pull into a tight line. “How the fuck do you know about that?”
“You think I haven’t sensed your reluctance from the very start? That I haven’t hired my own people?” It’s rare I ever surprise Hunt, but I sure as fuck have shocked him now. “You’re not the only one with secrets to protect. You keep mine, and I’ll keep yours.”
“This is an asshole move, Lauder.”
“So is telling me you’d help and then bailing on me for a girl that is playing you for a fool.”
“That isn’t the only reason. Now, who’s not listening?”
I shrug. “Do we have a deal?”
His nostrils flare, and I can tell he wants to punch my lights out. “I won’t end my friendship with Van.”
“Play the martyr. See if I care.” I step up to him, thinking this might work to my advantage. “Be her friend if it’s so fucking important to you, but you promise right now that you won’t get involved, you won’t ask her about Christian, or get in my way.”
He contemplates it for a few tense beats, before nodding. “I don’t like it, but I agree.” His Adam’s apple bobs in his throat. “And you won’t tell anyone about Sydney. Especially not Xavier.”
“I’ll keep my end of the bargain as long as you do the same.” The room spins again, and I’ve depleted my energy reserves. I need to sleep so I can get up tomorrow and map out my revenge. “The others can’t know about this, so we’ll have to pretend you haven’t switched sides.”
Tomorrow, when the alcohol has fled my system, I know this will hurt.
Hunt is my best friend, and I never wanted it to come to this, but he’s left me with little choice.
“For fuck’s sake, Lauder.” Hunt stares at me with the saddest look. “This isn’t the schoolyard, and I haven’t switched allegiances. I’m trying to be a friend to both of you. I am so fucking pissed at you right now. I know you’re making a mistake, but you’re my best friend, and that hasn’t changed just because you have your head stuck up your ass.”
He clamps his hand down on my shoulder. “I don’t like any of this, and I won’t play an active part, but I’m not abandoning your stupid ass, so there will be zero pretending on my side.” I can tell he means that. “I’ll be here to help pick up the pieces when it all comes crashing down on you.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Vanessa
I CHECK THE time on the dash of my brand-spanking-new Range Rover Evoque, calculating I’m about ten minutes outside Rydeville. Thank God, I managed to arrange everything this past week, because classes start tomorrow and I’d hate to miss the first day.
Chloe’s cousin June is covering my shifts at the diner until Paul can find a permanent replacement. Paul has decided to relocate from New Jersey, so he’ll be moving into the apartment. En
suring I wasn’t leaving him in the lurch was important to me. He’s done so much to help me, and I could never do that to him.
Jackson hasn’t returned any of my calls or texts, which is odd, and it has me a little anxious, but I’m still really excited to start this new chapter in my life. It finally feels like everything is coming together, and I’ve never been happier.
Jackson is probably busy catching up with his friends and getting settled into his house, and I’m overreacting, reading more into it, as usual. Sawyer said he’d help me move in, and I’m quietly optimistic my boyfriend will show up with him tonight.
Saying goodbye to Mara, Paul, and Chloe was tough. I will miss them so much. I had to wrench myself away from Kayleigh and Hunter too, but I promised my little princess I’ll visit some weekends and during school breaks.
When I met Mom during the week, she agreed to bring Kayleigh to the therapist’s appointment I set up for her. The nice lady I met with specializes in dealing with children, and I’m hopeful she can help Kayleigh to deal with her trauma. I thought I would have to convince Mom, but she put up no resistance. That, combined with her admission she’s weaning herself off the pills and booze and attending an outpatient rehab program gives me hope she’ll pull through for the twins.
Driving past the sign welcoming me to Rydeville is a memorable moment, and I can’t hold back my goofy smile. I’m a little early, so I drive around acquainting myself with the place. The town is even more beautiful than I expected. The clean streets, pretty floral displays on the sidewalks, expensive storefronts, gorgeous promenade surrounding a stunning beach, and bustling bars and restaurants confirm its status as one of the best places to live in Massachusetts.
My new penthouse apartment is just off the main town square and only a ten-minute drive from the state-of-the-art university campus. Staying in one of the dorms on campus would have been ideal, but it would be ungrateful to decline the accommodation that came with my scholarship. Perhaps, I can move to the dorms at a later stage.
I pull up in front of my apartment building a few minutes later, getting out and hurrying into the office to pick up my keys and the codes for the parking garage and the elevator. The smiley woman behind the counter hands me a welcome pack, explaining about the pool, gym, concierge, and laundry services. Of course, I’ve already checked all this out online, so I shove the info in my bag and say goodbye. I’m dying to get up to the penthouse and make myself at home.
Sawyer is parked at the curb when I walk outside. He opens his door and stalks toward me with a big smile on his face. The passenger door slams shut, and I inwardly swoon. Butterflies run amok in my chest, and I can’t contain my grin as I wait for Jackson to make himself known. My smile slips momentarily when Xavier’s green spiky hair rounds the hood of Sawyer’s SUV, but I quickly recover.
“You made it.” Sawyer bundles me into a hug. “I’m so happy you’re here.”
“We’re happy you’re here,” Xavier says, pulling me out of Sawyer’s arms. He lifts me up, spinning me around. “I’m really happy for you, Van. I’m glad everything is working out.”
“I wasn’t expecting to see you,” I truthfully admit when he puts my feet back on the ground. “But I’m glad you’re here.”
“I hung around later than usual because I wanted to help get you settled, but I’m heading back to Boston tonight.”
Xavier has an important position with Techxet, the company Sawyer’s father owns. They recently opened a new branch in Boston, and Xavier was one of their key hires. He tried to explain what he does the weekend we first met, but IT is not my forte, and it all went over my head. I know enough to understand he’s passionate about his job, and I imagine he’s a very dedicated employee.
“I really appreciate that. You’re a good friend.”
He kisses the top of my head. “I consider you a friend too, and I wouldn’t be here unless I wanted to be.”
I pluck up the courage to ask the question. “Where’s Jackson?” My gaze bounces between Sawyer and Xavier.
“Out somewhere,” Sawyer says, shooting me a sympathetic look. Xavier lowers his eyes to the ground, avoiding eye contact.
“Oh.” Their reactions are weird. Something is off, but I can’t put my finger on it. Everything was great when we parted ways last weekend. Jackson was shocked over my news, but he didn’t seem unhappy about it. I mean, why would he be? He went to all this trouble to keep me close to him, so I don’t understand what’s going on. What if he’s changed his mind? I almost puke as that thought lands in my head.
I don’t share my concerns with Sawyer and Xavier or admit Jackson hasn’t contacted me at all this week, because he’s their friend, and they shouldn’t be caught in the middle. Instead of probing further—because it’s clear the guys are uncomfortable—I drop the subject, forcing a smile on my face. “I’m sure I’ll catch up with him tomorrow.”
Sawyer drives behind me as I pull into the basement parking garage, and then, the guys help me carry my boxes up to the penthouse apartment. We stack them up against the wall in the hallway outside my door, making a couple of trips to get everything, before I venture into my new living quarters.
Pushing my disappointment at Jackson’s no-show from my mind, I open the door to my new place, sucking in a gasp as tears of joy prick my eyes. Oh my, wow. It’s even more gorgeous than the pics I viewed online.
The main door opens directly on to a wide open-plan living area. On the left is a closet for coats, and on the right is a huge modern kitchen with glossy white and gray cupboards, stainless-steel appliances, and a marble countertop. The island unit houses four stools on one side for casual dining. Behind it is an elegant, long dining table, with seating for eight, of a more formal nature.
The whole length of the room at the back, facing the floor-to-ceiling windows, is the main living space. There are three long white leather sectionals, grouped around a rectangular walnut coffee table. A giant TV is mounted on one wall. Behind that is another seated area, composed of a few large recliner chairs centered around a circular glass coffee table. The wall behind that area holds a large bookcase, crammed full of books.
The walled balcony that wraps around the front and side of the penthouse houses an array of seating areas, and I spy a small grill in the corner. The balcony faces the front of the building, overlooking the street down below, but it’s high enough to afford privacy. I can definitely see myself making good use of the space.
“Wow. This is amazing,” Xavier says, whistling under his breath as he drops a couple of boxes on the floor. I hadn’t realized I’d just walked off, leaving the guys to carry my things in.
“I can’t believe it.” I’m sure my face showcases my disbelief. This is the stuff of dreams, and it’s not something that usually happens to me.
“You must’ve really impressed this anonymous sponsor,” Sawyer says, depositing a few more boxes.
“I hope so,” I blurt, smiling shyly, because I’m not sure if Sawyer is in the know. “I hope he hasn’t changed his mind. That I haven’t displeased him.”
Sawyer frowns. “Why would you think that?”
I shrug, biting on my lip. “Call it intuition? I don’t know.”
“I thought it was anonymous?” Xavier says, huffing as he slams another couple of boxes down on the ground.
“It is. I’m speaking in general terms. Good stuff doesn’t normally happen to me, and I’ve a habit of messing things up. I don’t want to fuck this up.”
Xavier slings his arm around my shoulders, kissing my temple. “Keep the faith, girl. You won’t fuck it up.”
There are stairs leading off both sides of the living area, so I leave the guys downstairs to explore the upper level. The upstairs is every bit as impressive as the first level, and I cannot believe this gorgeous place is all mine. The left stairway leads to my master suite with adjoining bathroom and private balcony facing the back of the building, overlooking a small well-maintained courtyard. The right-hand stairs lead to two guest
bedrooms with a shared bathroom. All the rooms are well proportioned and expensively furnished. It’s clear an interior designer decorated the place, and it’s tasteful even if a little monochrome and cold. Once I add my own bits and pieces, I’m sure it will feel more homey.
Sawyer orders takeout, and conversation flows naturally while we eat. I thank them profusely for their help, promising to text Sawyer when I arrive on campus in the morning. Xavier gives me a bone-crushing hug before they leave, wishing me good luck for tomorrow.
I spend the rest of the night unpacking my things, using it to distract my errant thoughts. I tried calling Jackson again, and when he didn’t pick up, I sent him a message, letting him know I’m here.
But there was no response, and I can’t shake the feeling something is gravely wrong.
He’s ignoring me on purpose. I just can’t figure out why.
I’m so exhausted by the time I crawl into bed at one a.m. that I fall asleep immediately, and I’m grateful my brain is too tired to obsess over Jackson anymore.
Hauling my weary butt out of the bed at seven, I shower and get dressed in shorts and a cute shirt. Grabbing my cardigan, I slip on my ballet flats and leave the apartment, snatching an apple for later. My stomach is tied into knots, and I couldn’t force any breakfast down. My nerves are stretched thin as first-day worry competes with anxiety over Jackson.
I give myself a little pep talk as I drive through the impressive wrought-iron gates at the entrance to Rydeville University.
Although I have checked the campus out online, nothing compares to the up-close-and-personal experience. The campus is stunning with traditional tall red-brick buildings that have been meticulously maintained and updated since they were built in the nineteenth century. Manicured lawns and leafy trees line the paths intersecting across campus. The large glass building in my rearview mirror is the specialist sports center, complete with pool. The newer buildings dotted around the expansive campus house various food courts. The dorms are a half mile from the main campus, accessible by a private campus-run bus service. Bicycles are also available to rent by the hour.
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