The only reason why I’ve resisted since we had the conversation in the Host Club room last week was because I don’t feel right about being out in the open with Collin, Declan, and Grayson, but leaving Preston out.
He’s going to have to watch us all be how we want, when he’s having to keep playing the friendship game.
At this point, I don’t think anyone is going to believe I'm not involved with him too; they’re not stupid or blind. People will put two and two together, but without an outright acknowledgment, Tina can’t run to Preston’s dad and get him in trouble.
I know Preston wants to tell his dad to get fucked and cut him from his life, but I know he’s holding back with me in mind.
Collin insists that Bradly won’t do anything because Collin thinks I’m untouchable, but I don’t think Preston believes that. Preston, out of anyone, would know his father best. He lives with the monster, spent his whole life under his roof.
So if Preston isn’t ready to call things off with Tina officially because he wants to keep me safe by keeping his father happy, I understand.
I don’t like it, but I do see where he’s coming from
Everything will happen at its own pace, as long as he doesn't touch her. That’s my main worry, not that I think Preston would ever cheat on me or Declan.
But I’ve seen the lengths he was willing to go to keep her from fucking with his life more than she already has.
“You look like you’re going to be sick,” Mia points out, eyeing me with concern.
“What?” My eyes jerk up from where I’ve been staring blankly at the table, my knee bouncing as nerves flutter in my stomach.
“You look pale, babe, are you okay?” Emma asks. “Have you eaten today?”
Licking my lips, I nod my head. “Yes. It’s just nerves. I’ll be okay.” The last part is the truth. I haven’t eaten today. I’m not much of a breakfast person. I was going to have something for lunch, but that's off the table because if I try to eat right now, it’s all gonna come back up.
“Nerves for what?” Alice asks.
Chewing on my lower lip, I look around before bringing my attention back to them. “I’m going to stop hiding my relationship with the guys.”
“What?” Mia gapes.
“Really?” Emma grins.
“Even Preston?” Alice questions.
“No.” My body slumps. “Not yet.”
“Still worried about that slimy bitch?” Alice asks in annoyance.
“Not her per se, more how his father would react. I know he wants to keep attention off of me. And if Tina goes running to Preston’s dad about breaking off the engagement, I know she’s going to throw me under the bus. After the stunt Collin and I pulled, I wouldn’t put it past him to lose his shit, and all hell would break loose.”
“Stupid rich people,” Mia mutters.
“Ahh, we’re rich,” Alice points out.
“Yeah, but not that kind of rich. We’re nice. They suck.”
Emma snorts. “I mean, you're not wrong.”
“So what are you going to do? Just walk up to the guys and kiss them all?” Mia asks, raising a brow.
“No.” I groan, putting my head in my hands. “I don’t know. I don’t want to make a big show of it, but I don’t want to hide it. I don’t know. I did just text the guys telling them that we’re not going to hide anymore. So maybe I just let it happen? Like, naturally or something.”
“Well, that's not fun.” Emma sighs like she’s disappointed. “I’d be up on the table, screaming it to the rooftops.”
“I don’t want any more attention than necessary.” I roll my eyes.
“Well, brace yourself, bestie, because my ex is coming your way.” Mia grins, looking over my shoulder.
