“And you told me because you want me to find out for you.”
“No, that isn’t why I told you. Jesus, Bree. You know, I already think I’m the worst guy in the world. I don’t need you or anybody else makin’ it worse. You think the only reason I told you this story was so you could get information for me?”
“Well, why did you tell me?”
“Fuck…I don’t know. I had to, that’s all I know. Somethin’ inside me was sayin’ that I had to be the one to tell you. ’Cause even if you don’t believe me, your opinion means somethin’ to me.”
“Who was the other person?”
“What do you mean?”
“You said that I wasn’t the first person you told this story to today. Who was?”
“Lyric.”
“I see.”
“What does that mean?”
“But you don’t want either of us to talk to Blythe, or Tucker, right?”
“That’s what we’re back to; you thinkin’ the worst possible thing you can about me. That I spilled my guts to you so you’d help me with my brother.”
“You have to admit it’s the only thing that makes sense.”
“No, I don’t have to admit that. Not at all. I told you because I care what you think.”
“You care what Lyric thinks, too?”
“Not in the same way, no.”
“Then why did you tell her?”
“Because I was scared. Okay? I’ve never told anyone this, Bree. No one. I carried this secret around with me for the last seven years. When Tuck was so messed up over Blythe and disappeared, I knew I had to step in and take care of her, because I owed him. I owe him everything.”
“And because you love her.”
“I don’t know that I do. As long as I’m tellin’ the truth about everything. That’s the truth about Blythe. I don’t know that I love her. And you wanna know why not?”
“I’m afraid to ask,” she smirked.
“You think this is funny?”
“No, I’m sorry. I don’t think it’s funny. Go on.”
“Forget it.”
“No, I want to hear this. Why don’t you think you’re in love with my sister anymore?”
“Because of you.”
“Jace, if I’ve led you to believe—”
“Believe that you have any feelings for me other than hatred? Nah, you haven’t, Bree. You’ve made your feelings clear, especially in the last few minutes.”
He stood.
“Where are you going? Do you want another beer?”