𝑴𝒚 𝑩𝒐𝒚𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝑺𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 | 18+

~ chapter VIII ~

"Okay, we got this," Zoe whispers.

I stand, straightening my shirt as I do, and follow Zoe to the office.

I knock twice and call for Leo.

"Come in!" He shouts back.

My heart races as we walk in and take a seat on his small sofa.

"Leo... we have to talk,"

He stares at me blankly for a moment before joining us on the chair opposite.

"What is it?"

"I love you, Leo. I do. But... as a friend. I thought I wasn't capable of real love but... after I met Zoe things changed," I start.

His face doesn't change from the blank expression.

"I like Zoe,"

He stays silent for a moment.

"And I like Hazel," Zoe blurts out quickly.

"I see..." he lets out slowly. "So, what? Are you leaving me?"

I falter.

'Shit, I didn't think that through.'

"I don't... know. Leo, we work well together making us a good couple, but I think it's time I explore who I truly am with Zoe,"

"So you're leaving me."

"I- I think so,"

Zoe takes my hand in hers and gives me a little squeeze.

He scoffs. "Hazel, you realise you're just a game to her, don't you?"

I furrow my eyebrows. "What?"

"I don't hate her just for being gay, Hazel, I hate her because she steals my partners and then leaves them."

My eyes fly wide and I fling around to look at Zoe. She stares blankly ahead of her, not meeting my gaze.

"Zoe, is that true?"

"Yes."

Tears swell in my eyes. "Are you doing that... to me?"

She jumps up. "No! Hazel, for fucks sake I love you!"

"But you've stolen Leo's partners for fun!"

"So? That was years ago! I changed!"

I look back to Leo.

"Don't look at me sweetheart, I won't take you back when Zoe breaks you."

She grabs my hand.

"Hazel, I'm not messing around."

Leo's cold gaze sends a shiver down my spine.

"Anyway, you see why I kept her from you." He sighs. "It's a shame really, Avery truly loved you."

I stare in shock as he stands.

"You're not... upset,"

"Why would I be? You're a lesbian whore and I expect you out of my house by tomorrow morning."

My mouth slacks open.

"Holy shit..."

"What? Are you surprised by my manner of speech?"

"Extremely."

He sneers. "Get the fuck out of my sight."

Zoe tugs at my arm and I let her drag me from the office.

The whole world fades away and I walk blankly to my room.

I shove clothes into a suitcase and ignore Zoe screaming beside me.

I carry the bag to the front and call a taxi service.

"Where are going!?"

I look to Zoe.

Her hair stands up at odd angles as she gapes at me with wild eyes.

"Away."

She groans and runs a hand down her face.

"Hazel, I'm sorry you had to see that side of him but-"

"That's... a side of him? Not just a fluke?"

"Yes. He's like that with anyone whom he dislikes."

Tears swell in my eyes once more.

"I knew he would be... different, but- I hope maybe we could..."

She sighs. "I'm sorry, Hazel."

"Wait... you knew he would be like that?"

She opens her mouth and then closes it, rubbing the back of her neck.

"You could have at least warned me! Instead of sending me into... that,"

"I- I'm sorry,"

She reaches for my arm.

"Hazel, would you like to come to my house?"

"You have your own house?"

She replies with a nod.

I take a settling breath and run a hand through my hair.

"Alright,"