[BOOK2]
Friendship built their world. Love will break it open. ❤️
*****
I want her.
I want her more than I've ever wanted anything.
But I can't have her. Because the moment I admit that out loud, the moment I risk everything we've built, I could lo...
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The café was a graveyard of memories.
Everything felt like her. The booth where she'd curled up with her knees on the seat. The barista who used to greet us with knowing eyes. The faint smell of cinnamon that had clung to her scarf.
And now?
Now there was nothing but an empty chair across from me and the echo of a laugh that hadn't belonged to me in two weeks.
I hadn't touched my coffee. It sat cooling in front of me while the seconds dragged. Lewis was late. Typical.
I rubbed the back of my neck, let my eyes flick to the door like some part of me still believed she'd walk in. That Isla would throw open the door, flushed from the cold, fire in her eyes and forgiveness in her voice.
But no. Of course not.
The bell chimed.
And hell walked in wearing a cropped sweater and a smile.
Peyton.
Her eyes found me instantly, all glossy confidence and red lips sharpened into a weapon. She didn't pause. Didn't hesitate. Just made a beeline for my table and sat down like she belonged there.
She didn't.
"Hey, stranger," she said with a sugary tilt to her voice. "Miss me?"
I didn't even blink. "Nope."
She laughed like I'd flirted, tucking her hair behind her ear like I might give a shit. "Still grumpy, I see."
"Still breathing," I muttered, not looking at her.
She tilted her head. "Come on, Theo. Don't be like that. I've been worried about you."
"Sure," I said flatly. "You've been dying to check in on me. Totally unrelated to Isla dumping me."
That got her attention. Her eyes lit up, cruel and satisfied. "She didn't just dump you, Theo. She humiliated you. In front of the entire school. That scene at Bridges? Epic."
I flinched. Couldn't help it.
"She said she loved you," Peyton continued, smile tightening, "and then she shredded you like you were nothing. Someone who loves you doesn't do that. Doesn't gut you in public and walk away like it was easy."
My voice came out low and deadly. "Watch your mouth."
She tilted her head, lips twisting into a pitying smile. "You really think she loved you, don't you?"
I didn't answer.
"She stood there, in front of the entire school, and gutted you like it was nothing," she went on, voice sharp. "She made you beg. Like some pathetic lovesick loser."
My chest went tight.
Peyton's eyes glinted, mean and gleeful. "Everyone saw it. How she looked at you like you were nothing. And you're still sitting here mourning her? Jesus, Theo. At least have some self-respect."
