I’m filled with numbing heartbreak and disappointment in myself as a human being.
Colton gets up, and a weak smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I know it doesn’t offer much closure, but I thought you should know why Brady committed suicide.”
I rise to my feet and nodding, I give his arm a squeeze. “Thank you. I really appreciate it. Are you going to be in town for a while? I’d like to meet up for coffee or dinner.”
Colton shakes his head. “I’m heading to Los Angeles for a meeting and then back home. But you have my number. Let’s stay in contact this time.”
I nod and struggle to keep the tears back as Colton leans down and folds me in a hug. “You were the best thing that happened to Brady,” he whispers.
Through a blur of pain, I try to smile at Colton. “Thanks for coming.” The words are thick, and my throat is starting to ache from the fight to not break down in front of Colton.
“I have to go, but I hope you’re happy here.” He glances around the campus again, and I take the moment to look at his face.
Same soft brown eyes as Brady.
Same brown hair.
Same sad lines tugging at his smile.
It’s a battle to keep a smile around my trembling lips, and as Colton begins to walk away, it falters as I remember my question about Hunter. “Colton,” I call out, needing to ask him what part Hunter played in Brady’s suicide.
He glances back over his shoulder. “Yeah?”
“What happened when Hunter dropped Brady off at home? Did Brady say anything?”
Colton thinks back and shakes his head. “Nothing happened. It was nice of Hunter to give Brady a ride home, though.”
My mouth dries up at his answer. “So, Hunter didn’t fight with Brady?” I ask to make sure.
Again, Colton shakes his head. “Not at all. Why? Did something happen at the party to make you think Hunter would pick a fight with Brady?”
“He walked in on us where we were alone in a bedroom,” I explain.
“Brady mentioned that, but he wasn’t upset about it. Truth be told, he was relieved because he didn’t have to tell you about our dad.”
Frowning, I ask, “So Brady would’ve told me about the abuse if we weren’t interrupted?”
“No, Jade.” Colton gives me a sympathetic smile. “Brady couldn’t tell you, and it was killing him. He didn’t want you to look at him with pity.”
I nod as my heart takes a final blow. “I understand.”
“Look after yourself, Jade.”
“You too.” I watch Colton walk away and let wave after wave of heartache crash over me.
Brady was hurting so much, and I never saw it. How could I be so blind? My mind turns to Hunter, and the blood drains from my face.
I blamed him for so long, and he was telling the truth.
Oh, my God.
I ruined our friendship over something that was never Hunter’s fault.HUNTERI just lost another fifty dollars to Jase, but seeing how excited he gets when he wins has me agreeing to the bets.
“The blonde woman’s going to kick ass,” Jase says, his eyes glued to the TV.
“Hunter’s already lost two hundred dollars. Shouldn’t you guys stop now?” Fallon asks from where she’s sitting by the kitchen counter, having a yogurt.
I wink at her, then joke, “He’s on a mission to drain my bank account. There’s no stopping Jase now.”
“You bet your ass,” Jase hollers as the blonde woman gets an answer right. “Yasss, mamma. Show them how it’s done.”
Fallon points at me with her spoon. “You’re creating a gambling addict.”
I let out a bark of laughter, and I’m just about to tease her when the front door opens, and Jade walks in. I only glance at her for a split-second, and her presence instantly puts a damper on my good mood.
Whenever I see her around the suite or on campus, I’m reminded of the damn kiss and how it felt to hold her in my arms. But seeing as I’m still dealing with the emotions myself, I haven’t pushed Jade to talk about what happened.
“Are you okay?” Fallon asks. It makes my head snap back to Jade, and it’s only then I see her red-rimmed eyes and how pale her face is.
Jade’s stunned-looking gaze meets mine, and she opens her mouth, but no words come out.
Jase switches the TV off and rises to his feet, a concerned look chasing away the glow of fun he had. I also get up as Fallon walks closer to Jade, asking, “Jade, what’s wrong?”
Jade moves her gaze to Fallon, then back to me, and it makes apprehension grow inside of me.
Please, God, let it not be serious.
I’ve just sent up the silent prayer when Jade says, “I-I met with Colton Lawson.”
“I didn’t know you were meeting with him today,” Fallon exclaims. “How did it go? Did you get any answers?”