Just.
Stop.
Talking.
“Alyssa?” I blink to find Kennedy kneeling in front of me. “Are you okay?”
“Sure. Yeah. Fine.” I give her a bright smile that we both know is fake.
“What was she talking about?” Jade asks.
“Yeah, we need to know what’s up,” Palmer comments.
“I should never have invited her,” Kristy adds.
“I was wondering about that,” Piper says.
“That”—Ramsey points at me—“is not my idea of fine.”
“It’s all good. I let myself believe there might be something, and it was my mistake. I’m good. Promise.” Even I can hear the lie in my voice.
“That’s not true,” Palmer counters.
“It is true. It’s real life. Not fantasy.” I close my eyes and pull in a deep breath. “Look, I’m happy for all of you. You all have incredible men in your lives. Men who love you to the moon and back, and you all deserve that.”
“You do too,” Kennedy tells me.
“I know.” I nod. “Sterling deserves to find his person. That’s just not me.” I rush to get the words out. “No more. I know you all mean well, but I can’t do this. I can’t have these crazy ideas that we can be more than what we are. My heart is already breaking and we’re not even together.” I rub at my chest, hoping it will mask some of the ache.
“I’m sorry,” Kennedy says. “I thought there was something.”
“We all did,” Palmer agrees. “I’m sorry too. I never meant for you to get hurt.”
“I know.” I stand and start packing up chairs. “I just need to not talk about it. Please, just drop it. For me? It’s done. No more. Sterling is my best friend, and I want the world for him. End of discussion.”
I get a mumbled acceptance from each of them as they help me clean up the chairs and pack away the food. I send it all home with them. I don’t have an appetite. Speaking of appetite, as soon as the door closes, I text Sterling.
Me:Not feeling well. I’m just going to bed. Talk tomorrow?
Sterling:Can I bring you anything?
Me:No. I’m good, just need to rest. Thank you.
Sterling:Call me if you change your mind. I’m here for whatever you need.
Me:Thanks.
I don’t have it in me to say more. Locking the door, I shut off the lights and head to my room. I manage to get changed, pull my hair up, and slide beneath the covers before the tears flood my cheeks.
Here in the darkness of my bedroom, I let my heartbreak free. Not all dreams come true.
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
Sterling
“Daddy!” As soon as I lift her from my truck and place her feet on the ground, Blakely takes off running toward the front porch.
“Hey, squirt.” Declan takes her into his arms and kisses her cheek.