I snap back again, looking into Sam’s eyes as thoughts of the future we could have had fill my mind. A future we could have had if I hadn’t been doing him dirty all along. I really fucked things up.
I flash a smile I don’t feel and stand up. “I have to visit the bathroom,” I say, jerking a thumb in the direction of the restrooms. It’s all I can do to hold myself together when I want to break down and cry. Everything is so messed up and I don’t know how to fix any of it.
He nods, concern still shining bright in his eyes.
Concern I don’t deserve.
He should hate me. He has every right to think I’m a monster, because in his story, I am the monster. I’m evil and he’s better off without me. I walk away, my mind working a million miles a second. Down the hall toward the bathroom, I continue past the ladies’ room door and out a staff exit. I pull out my phone and shoot him a text, telling him I’m sorry.
With a heavy heart, I block his number, a sense of loss and regret washing over me.
It’s over.
Reallyover.
I need to find Jake and get him the hell out of town.
Before it’s too late.
CHAPTER18
SAM
Everything that happens lately seems to leave me with more questions than answers. After Chloe’s disappearing act in the café, I can’t get a hold of her.Again. Only this time, I think she blocked my number, and I have no idea why. Maybe I should take the hint that she wants nothing to do with me, but I can’t accept that. When we’re together, I see the real her. I sense the way she feels about me, and her behaviour doesn’t add up. Not to this. Which only leaves the option that she’s in some sort of trouble.
Back at home, I let myself inside. I’ll never get used to coming home to a dark house. Not hearing my daughter’s excitement at me being home is killing me. I would give anything to have that back, but I won’t lie and pretend I’m not happy Marissa’s gone.
I’m staring at my phone when a call comes in. For a brief second, I hope it’s Chloe calling, at least to let me know she’s okay, but Isaac’s name comes up. I grit my teeth a moment before answering. I’m sure he’ll have questions I can’t—or don’t want to—answer.
“Sam, you need to come see me. Now. I’m at the bar.” There’s something so final in his tone that my gut tightens. He’s found out something I’m not going to like. I just know it.
“I’ll be right there.”
* * *
At the bar,I sit down as Isaac walks in my direction. His expression serious, he offers me a beer, but I decline, wanting to be clear-headed for whatever he’s about to say next.
“I had Chloe investigated.” He crosses his arms and scowls at me. “You want to explain this?” He slides a photo across the bar at me. It’s Chloe and me, sitting in the café. She looks upset and I look like a creep who is trying to comfort her.
“She asked me to see her,” I mutter. “So, we met up. She was worried about something but she wouldn’t tell me what. Then just when I thought she was going to open up, she snuck out the back door.”
If only I’d said the right things to put her at ease and have her trust me. I can still hear her soft, terrified voice, underlined with sadness. What had her so scared? Surely, she had a reason for wanting to meet, other than to stand me up?
“If I can get this photo so easily, imagine what Marissa probably has on you.” Isaac sighs and takes the photo back. “You need to stay away from her, Sam. For your own good.”
“I know that, but the girl is in trouble—”
“She can get help from someone else, then,” he says, frustrated. “Someone sheisn’tblackmailing into sleeping with her. Do you even care how much you have at stake?”
“Of course I do,” I snap, annoyed at his tone and lack of empathy over the situation. He’s making this out to be so black and white when in reality, it’s far from it.
“I’m just saying, be careful,” Isaac reiterates. “If Marissa is serious about taking Kelsie away from you, don’t give her anymore ammunition. This,” he gestures at the photo, “doesn’t look good. That, and you have no idea what she’s capable of.”
“Chloe or Marissa?” I half joke.
“Both,” Isaac deadpans. “Just keep your distance from Chloe, is all I’m saying.”
“Yeah, well, that should be pretty easy as she’s blocked my number.” I lift both shoulders, the sting of admitting she’d shut me down still fresh. “So, did your investigator find out anything else?” I shrug in defence when Isaac gives me a look. “I’m just asking.”