The Heartless Persona

15

The next day, Keri was on the patio reading her new book to escape the guilty feelings she had about Cam.

She didn't want to dump him again, but it had to be done.

Who knew? Maybe he didn't expect them to stay friendly after this trip was over. Maybe he would understand.

But Keri didn't feel right doing that.

There was something unsettled in her stomach. She secretly knew that he wouldn't understand. He was understanding, but he wasn't that understanding.

It would probably hurt ten thousands times more if she ditched him for the second time.

She swallowed and shut the book, eventually deciding that whatever happens, happens.

She heard someone shouting from inside. It wasn't the adults since they went out for drinks (again!) and it most likely wasn't Jack. The voice was too deep. So, that just left Cam or Mason.

She listened closely and determined it was Mason.

"Yeah? Well, I wasn't the only one cheating!" He bellowed. There was a short pause. He was probably on the phone with his girlfriend. "What about Brandon, huh? Oh, I bet you thought that I wouldn't find out. Yeah? Well fuck you."

Keri cautiously went into the house. Mason was standing with his hands gripping the counter and angry eyes that darted to her when he heard her come in. Although his blue eyes were piercing, there were tears covering them.

Her mouth parted open as she wanted to say something--anything. She had to say something. He just looked so upset.

And in a weird way, he was like a younger brother to her. They had grew up around each other, so it was like she had to help him through whatever it was he was going through. She couldn't just walk away and pretend she didn't hear the shouting.

So, she said the only thing she knew that might help.

"I'm so sorry," her voice was almost a whisper.

Moments later, Keri sat with Mason at the counter, rubbing small cirlces on his back with her hand. She was trying her best to help him feel better.

His head rested in one of his hands while the other was clenched into a fist, hitting the counter with every other word that came from his mouth.

"She just gets to me. Every. Fucking. Time," he held back tears. His face was flushed and his eyes were tightly closed.

"Shh, shh, it'll be okay," Keri cooed. "You deserve so much better. The relationship was toxic. Trust me, it wasn't going to work out in the end."

"I just feel so foolish," he mumbled, opening his eyes. He ran a hand through his hair and tried to control his breathing.

"I'm going to let you in on a little secret," she said, trying to console him. "I was cheated on once. Yup. The guy was a complete asshole and made me despise the entire male race. But you know what? I got over him. I realized that I was way too good for him and I came back stronger than ever. And the best way to get over someone is to find someone new, right?"

That guy was the reason Keri broke boys hearts. Her motto was hurt them before they hurt you.

So what if it was a defense mechanism? It always worked for her and she wasn't going to change that.

"Someone cheated on you?" Mason asked. His head turned in her direction with a crease forming betwen his eyebrows

At that moment, Cam walked in. Keri flicked her gaze away from him, a little embarassed that he heard what Mason said.

She didn't want anyone to know about her ex-boyfriend. She was actually surprised at herself for letting Mason know.

"That's besides the point. My point is: we're in Puerto Rico and there are a bunch of gorgeous girls here. You don't need her, okay?"

Cam continued to stare at Keri. She could feel his gaze on her. Of course he had to hear that she had been cheated on. It was just perfect. It was as if she didn't feel vulnerable enough in Puerto Rico. Now she felt more exposed than ever.

"Yeah, maybe you're right," Mason sat up straighter. "Maybe this is what I need."