COMPLICATED.

CHAPTER 26

PROMISES

​"And what are you doing here?"
And more importantly, why are you clutching a bouquet of red roses?
Nothing has changed: even in the light of day, Jack still has the same idiot face. He’s never done anything grave to me, aside from annoying me with his cheap flirting and jokes that made my skin crawl, but I have the impression he isn't a good person. And usually, I’m right.
​Nick is at my side, motionless but as tense as a violin string. He stares him down with blatant contempt and, as soon as he can, he wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me close. If his intention is to "mark his territory," he can forget it: I am not his property, not as a friend or in any other role he thinks I have in his life. Jack, however, isn't intimidated; he keeps smiling, showing off his perfect white teeth. He’s a good-looking guy, no doubt, but there’s something about him that doesn't convince me at all.
​"I was just passing by and Aria, after I begged her quite a bit, confessed that you lived nearby. So I decided to drop in... these are for you," he says, holding the bouquet out toward me.
"Passing by? In the Upper East Side?" Nick interjects with cutting sarcasm before I can even utter a word. "You live in the East Village, Jack. You’re definitely out of your neighborhood. What a bizarre coincidence, right?"
"I’m glad my private life fascinates you so much, Nick. Then again, it always has."
​I want to stop this ridiculous feud, but Nick is far too irritated to let it slide.
"Oh, my friend, it’s quite the opposite. It seems you and your family are all too interested in mine, especially your father. But as they say, a leopard doesn't change its spots."
What on earth is happening? Why do I always end up in the middle of a conflict?
Jack looks like he’s on the verge of a nervous breakdown; he inhales sharply.
"At least my father is a successful businessman, despite the crap you people dragged us into!"
​Nick gently pushes me back so he can stand face-to-face with him.
"Us?! Your father is a prick, Jack! He was the one who robbed my father, taking every cent to blow it in casinos across the world, dragging him down until he ruined his life."
"It was only his incompetence that led him straight into a coffin. You’re a loser, just like he was..."
​Enough.
Nick is petrified. He doesn't answer; he keeps his eyes fixed on the pavement, absent. He loved his father, and it isn't right that he has to hear these foul lies from a guy who deserves nothing but a punch in the face for being so callous and cruel.
I push Nick aside decisively and plant myself a millimeter from Jack’s face. I am furious.
​"Listen, you’d better vanish immediately before I do something I might bitterly regret. Take these damn flowers back and give them to Sasha; I know perfectly well she’s the one who asked you to do this, I’m not that stupid. And have a look at your conscience, or better yet, find yourself a good psychiatrist, because I doubt that brain of yours works correctly—assuming you even have one. Leave, now. Don't you ever dare come near me or him again. Am I clear?"
​Jack takes a step back, caught off guard by my reaction. Exactly, idiot: if you mess with him, you mess with me. I knew Nick’s father; he was the exact opposite of a dishonest man. I won't let anyone tarnish his memory.
"Are you serious? You’d prefer him over me?"
"I’d prefer him out of a billion people. I pity you, you and your disgusting friends. Now get lost."
He doesn't need to be told twice and runs off like the coward he is. I immediately turn to Nick, who has remained motionless in the same spot.
​"Nick, don't listen to him. He just wanted to hit you where it hurts. None of it is true, just let him talk."
"Don't worry, I'm fine. Let's go," he murmurs, but his eyes say otherwise.
I know that look. I know every shade of you, Nick, and I know you’re lying.
"Nick..."
"No Emma, not now, please. Let's go."
​He reaches the car in an instant. He’s too shaken, and seeing him like this breaks my heart.
"Give me the keys. I'm driving today."
"Emma..."
"No 'Emma,' you heard me."
"I can make it."
"I know you can, but I want to drive."
He hands me the keys and, after starting the engine, we merge into the frantic New York traffic. We remain in silence for the entire trip to the parking lot near the park.
​Nick, despite everything, is a guy to be envied. He deserves all the love in the world. He will never be alone; I will always be on his side, no matter how much we argue. I will always protect him. I reach out a hand toward his and intertwine my fingers with his. I feel him flinch in surprise, but then he gives me one of his most beautiful smiles.
"I'm here. Always," I say softly.
"I know. Me too, always."
"And you also know that what that idiot said is a lie."
"I..."
​I park the car, unbuckle my seatbelt, and grab his shoulders, forcing him to turn.
"Hey, look at me."
He stares at me, studying my every move. His eyes are watery; he was crying and I hadn't even noticed. I feel like a fool.
"People can be mean, and lately I’ve realized that better than anyone. Some idiots think they’re better than everyone else. Jack thinks so, and he went for your weak spot. But you have to promise me something important."
Tears begin to slide down his cheeks, but he doesn't look away.
"Promise me you will never doubt yourself. Never doubt the wonderful man your father was, or your mother and how much she does for you. But above all... never doubt how much I care about you. Because that will never change, even if you are unbearable. Promise me."
​He smiles through the tears, squeezing my hand.
"Did I ever tell you that you're beautiful when you worry about me?"
I feel my heart do a somersault. I could die of joy or sink from embarrassment. Calm down, Emma. He just gave you a compliment.
"No, but now I know. And now let’s go eat my cupcakes!" I exclaim, getting out of the car and finally leaving him laughing heartily.