Playing (Inked Hearts 2)
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?