“I wish…” I looked down and sighed. “There’s something I really need to tell you.”
I started at the beginning. I told her about the art show—seeing Alexis with her father—and pretending to be his date. The concern began to register on her face, especially when I told her about the auction and the kiss that was supposed to be so innocent. I didn’t even know if that was a lie—I was attracted to him then—he was attracted to me. She finished her glass of wine when I told her about our first date—and poured another one as what looked like rage started to form in her eyes. I left out the intimate details. She could obviously fill that part in without me saying it. That was as far as I got before she interrupted me.
“You were the mystery woman…” She shook her head back and forth and her hand squeezed the wine glass so hard I thought it was going to break.
“I—yes.” I looked down and nodded. “I swear I was going to end it with him after you told me that your parents might get back together…”
“It was never going to happen. My mother was worried about my sister—anyway, keep going. I should hear it all before I lose my fucking mind.” She seemed to be holding her rage in check, which was surprising.
I told Victoria about Alexis—how she blackmailed me—and how that put me in a tough spot when I already knew I needed to end things. That seemed to intensity Victoria’s rage, because she quickly started to put together the same pieces I had—her father was a victim of blackmail too. It was the only reason he would have agreed to marry a despicable bitch like Alexis Devereaux. All I could do was finish my story and let her seethe—which she did—without saying a word. The silence was scarier than having her lash out at me, because I had no idea what was going on in her head.
“Did you love him?” She narrowed her eyes.
“I—I honestly don’t know.” I looked down. “I really cared about him—I still do. It was… What we had was special—that’s the only way I can explain it. I knew it was wrong, but I was
in over my head before I realized I was drowning.”
“Because he’s amazing…” Victoria exhaled sharply. “Any woman would be lucky to have him—except the one who currently does.”
“I agree. I didn’t tell you because I want you to accept the relationship—nor do I think we’re going to get back together if he doesn’t marry Alexis. I just wanted you to know what you were dealing with before you walked into the venomous bitch’s lair.” I felt tears welling up in my eyes, and I didn’t know how to stop them.
“I’m angry—I’m very angry at you.” She took a drink of her wine. “But I’m fucking pissed at Alexis Devereaux, so right now, it’s a good thing you’re the only one in the room.”
“I’m sorry, Victoria…” My tears were followed by a sob.
“Don’t be sorry.” She shook her head back and forth. “We’re going to make her sorry—she messed with my dad and my best friend.”
“I wish I deserved to be called that.” I wiped away a stream of tears.
“You’re still my best friend. This doesn’t change that.” She leaned forward. “I need to see the Taylor Abernathy that used to put every privileged asshole at Carson Cove High in their place—where’s she at? Come on…”
“Give her a few minutes—she’s still processing it.” Anna’s voice echoed from the doorway, and I had no idea how long she had been standing there. “Taylor thought you would be angrier at her than Alexis—I was about fifty-fifty on it myself.”
“Anna?” Victoria jumped up and walked over to hug my little sister. “My god, you’re almost grown!”
“It’s only been a couple of years, jeez.” Anna let Victoria hug her, but then squirmed out of her grasp. “I’ve got someone I want you to meet.”
“Huh?” I looked up in confusion—and then saw someone walk up behind her that I already knew—by name at least.
“This is Bolt.” She smiled and looked at him. “Bolt, the girl that’s crying is my sister, Taylor. This is her—I guess—still, best friend, Victoria.”
“Pleasure to meet you both.” He had a calm, soothing voice—and gave us a polite nod. “My name is Gavin Bolton.”
“Hi…” I wiped away what was left of my tears and shook his hand. “I saw you at the scrimmage game with Carson Cove University—you looked like a star out there.”
“He is a star.” Anna grinned. “Wait—you were at the game? You already knew…”
“It wasn’t my place.” I held up my hands and turned to Bolt. “I’m sorry we had to officially meet under these circumstances…”
“That’s actually why he’s here.” Anna grabbed Bolt’s hand and led him into the living room.
“I don’t understand…” Victoria looked at me and my face obviously had the same confused stare.
“Well, in addition to being the star running back at Carson Cove High—we’re going to state, by the way.” Anna nudged her boyfriend, who nodded in agreement. “He’s also quite proficient with a laptop.”
“My brother showed me a few things.” Bolt nodded. “Bad things, mostly—like how to hack into a database.”
“I’m lost.” Victoria looked at Bolt. “What are we hacking exactly?”