Page 122 of Introvert
"Not hiding my suffering better and bringing you down."
"Aurora, please.You have nothing to apologize for.I can't believe Fe's being such an idiot."
"He's not stupid."
"Yeah, he is. All guys are, especially the Cordova brothers."
I slanted her a look. "Sounds like you're projecting.Did something happen with Ryker?"
"Who?" she said.
"London."
"As of this morning after he asked me again why I hadn't left yet, I've removed that name from my vocabulary."
I sighed.
"Yeah," she agreed. "That's how I feel too."
Sensing we could both use a distraction, I filled her in on Izzy's idea.
"Are you going to do it?" London asked.
"I don't think public displays of emotion are my thing," I said.
"Oh come on, Aurora." London pressed her palms together as if in prayer. "Please, please reconsider. Just think, you'd get to slaphim."
I scrunched up my nose. "Why would I want to do that?"
"Because it's a free shot," she said, counting off on her fingers, "because Fe deserves it, because he's acting like a jerk, because he needs a wake-up call, because he broke your h—"
I placed my hand over her mouth, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. Luckily,Izzy and the guys left at some point, so we were alone on the bus. The only things to show they'd beenthere at all were a few cups they left behind.
"You can't say that," I whispered and removed my hand. "I don't want anyone to know."
London's eyes turned soft. "You have nothing to be ashamed of, Aurora."
"I'm not really."
"Aren't you?"
"No, and it'sthe right thing, us taking a step back. Even if it hurts."
"Yeah, you told me your theory about how it wouldn't last beyond the tour."
I held out my hands, encompassing the current situation. "All evidence points to thatoutcome."
"Things change," London said. "This is just a blip. No matter what anyone says, I still believe you and Fe are meant to be."
I smiled. "That rhymes."
"I know. I'm awesome without even trying."
With a sigh, I reminded her, "Izzy wants us to break up—though to be fair, she doesn't know there were ever real feelings involved."
London sniffed. "I still think you should reconsider the slap."
I bit back a smile.
