Queen of my Heart

07

STUPID, STUPID ME.

I dreaded my descent on the stairs.

It was entirely my fault why Bryan would be cursing my pathetic existence from now on.

All I had to do was tell him how I felt for him and I ended up mentioning Shane.

Why don't you swallow me up now, ground?

I took a deep breath to calm myself.

"You can do this," I told myself. "Just tell him what you feel and apologize."

Entering the dining room, I wasn't the least bit surprised to see the whole band eating breakfast and laughing among one another.

My gaze quickly swept Bryan, saw him chuckling among the lads. Anybody else looking would think he looked so happy and at ease, like nothing happened a while ago.

But he can't fool me.

His expression was strained, forced. I also didn't miss the way he would glance at Shane from time to time, as if wondering what I saw in him.

I've never seen a transparent person like him.

Well, since Shane at least.

I hit my forehead in frustration.

Shane messes you up, my subconscious scolded. He doesn't even like you in the way you wanted him to.

And speaking of the devil, he noticed me standing there like a fool.

"Juliet, come here," he said.

I subconsciously looked at Bryan and saw him already looking at me. He quickly averted his gaze, hurt.

Sighing, I sat beside Shane (it was the only available seat) and looked down, barely aware of my surroundings.

Stupid stupid stupid stupid stupid stupid stupid idiot!

I picked at my food, not interested.

Coward coward coward coward coward coward Juliet you're a coward coward co—

"Juliet, are you all right?"

I looked up and saw the lads staring at me expectantly—except for Bryan, of course.

I offered a weak smile. "I'm not feeling very well," I partially lied.

Nicky frowned. "Must be from taking care of Bryan last night," he concluded.

My eyebrows furrowed. "Wha—oh. Yes . . . Maybe." Last night seemed so long ago.

Shane tucked a stray of my hair in my ear. I mentally flinched, wanting to make him stop.

Then make him stop!

I can't.

I don't want to.

"Can you take care of yourself? I can always stay," he said, worried.