There’s a wave of expressions on everyone’s faces, and I can see Fallon’s struggling to keep quiet. Giving her an encouraging smile, I say, “Get it off your chest, Fallon.”
She shakes her head, her features tightening with heartache. “I can’t forget what I saw, Mila.”
Her admission has every muscle in my body tightening, and apprehension ripples through me. “You saw?”
When she nods, shame pours over me like boiling hot water. My voice is hoarse when I ask, “Did you all see?”
Kao gets up, and coming to crouch in front of me, he tilts his head. “Look at me, Mila.” My eyes dart to his for a second before they drop to my hands on my lap. He places his hand over both of mine, and my whole body jerks, which has him pulling back. “Look at me, please.”
I shake my head but lift my eyes anyway.
There’s a caring expression warming Kao’s blue eyes. “I love you, Mila. You’re one of the most important people in my life. Don’t feel embarrassed around us. We only saw when they loaded you into the ambulance. We hate what happened to you, and… God, I wish I could turn back time and stop it, but none of it will ever change the way I feel about you or how I see you. You’re still badass. You’re still my go-to person whenever I need someone to slap me upside the head. You’re still our Mila.”
My chin begins to tremble, and there’s one hell of a big lump in my throat, but refusing to cry, I swallow the emotion down and whisper, “Thanks, Kao. That means a lot to me.”
Jase pulls me closer to him and presses a kiss to the side of my head. “Yeah, we all love you, and nothing will change that.”
There’s a sad twinge in my chest as I nod.
I need to put the attack behind me so I can deal with my feelings for Jase. They’re stronger than ever after everything he’s done for me, and I’ll have to put distance between us, so I can get over him once and for all.
We’re just friends, and that’s all we’ll ever be.
Maybe if I focus on that, I’ll be able to get through the next couple of weeks.JASEListening to Mila while she gave her statement to Officer Lane was fucking hard.
I can see the relief on Mr. West’s face after it’s all done. “Can I make an appointment for you to start meeting with Dr. Bower?”
Mila shakes her head. “No, but don’t worry. I am going to talk to Mrs. Reyes.” Her eyes dart to mine. “Your mom offered, and I’m going to take her up on it.”
Mr. West seems to know more than me because he says, “Oh, that’s good. She’ll be able to help you a lot. Knowing that makes me feel better.”
How will Mom be able to help Mila?
I get up and shake Mr. West’s hand before I excuse myself and go to my room. Shutting the door behind me, I pull my phone from my pocket and dial Mom’s number.
“Hey, my baby, how are you holding up?” her voice comes over the line.
“Better.” I pause then say, “Mila mentioned she’s going to take you up on your offer to talk about what happened.”
“Oh, good. I’m glad to hear that.”
I take a deep breath then continue, “Mr. West said you’d be able to help her? Is there something I should know?”
“Yeah, but not over the phone. Come to the house and bring Mila along.”
“Okay.” I shove my phone back into my pocket, and walking out, I run into Mila as she comes down the hallway. “Did your dad leave?”
She nods. “Yeah.” Letting out a breath, she says, “It’s been one hell of an intense day.”
“Listen,” I reach for her hand, “I’m heading over to my parents’, and my mom asked for you to come along. Are you up for it?”
Mila glances down, looking at her clothes, then says, “Yeah, but I’ll need to change. I can’t go to your house in sweatpants.”
“I’ll wait.” I wink at her, then walk to Hunter’s room. Since he and Jade started dating, I don’t risk just walking in. God only knows what position I might find them in, so I knock first.
“Yeah?” he calls from the other side of the door.
“Are you decent?” I call back.
I hear a chuckle. “We are now.”
Shaking my head, I push the door open. Jade’s snuggled against Hunter’s side, and they’re watching a movie on the entertainment system he recently had installed.
“I’m heading over to my parents. Mila’s coming with me.”
“Okay, send them my regards.”
Before I can close the door, Jade says, “Jase, thanks for being there for Mila.”
“Always.” I shut the door and don’t have to wait long before Mila comes out of her room, dressed in jeans and a soft cashmere sweater. She’s even managed to put on some make-up. Taking hold of her hand, I link our fingers and say, “Let’s hit the road, beautiful.”