They make me feel strong, safe, confident.

They convince me I can do this.

It's late on a weekday when I pick up the phone and stare at Lily's number.

I press Call.

I can do this.

I have to do this.

Even if it means giving up the possibility for a hard no.

Even if it means a whole lot of hurt.

* * *

Ring, ring, ring.

My fingers dig into the table. I'm alone in my apartment, studying. Well, I'm supposed to be studying.

Ring, ring—

Voicemail.

Hello, you've reached Lily Avery. Please leave a message and I'll call you back.

She sounds happy. Normal. Healthy.

I take a deep breath and exhale slowly. "Hey Lily. It's Iris. Can we talk? I want to apologize. I… I want us to be okay."

I end the call.

My fingers move over the keyboard.

Iris: Can we talk?

I stare at my cell.

For ages, I stare at my cell.

My eyes get dry. My fingers go numb. My heart beats so hard it nearly bursts out of my chest.

Finally, my phone buzzes with a reply.

Lily: I'm sorry, Iris. But I'm not ready to talk to you yet.

Fuck.

I let my cell fall into my lap, I lay back on the couch, pull my knees into my chest.

And I fall apart.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Iris

My phone buzzes against my chest. Not in a sexy, fun way—would that even feel good?

Tags: Crystal Kaswell Inked Hearts Romance
Source: readsnovelonline.net