“What do you mean?” Her brows furrow together.
I step forward and cup her face. “I love you. I don’t want to live without you. This isn’t me breaking up with you, because I’d never do that. You're it for me, Rylee. But this is me taking a step back. When you're ready, and you’ve told the guys, let me know and I’ll be right by your side, but for now? I need to go.”
“What?” Her face falls, more tears spilling down her cheeks. “No. Trevor, please don’t.” I hate how much her voice breaks. It causes my chest to open up, and the tears to fall free.
“I’m sorry, baby.” I kiss her forehead, squeezing my eyes shut. I don’t want to do this. It’s killing me inside. I just don’t know what else to do. I pray she wants me when she figures things out, but she’s put me in a hard spot and I don’t know the right way to get out of it.
“I love you. I’ll see you soon.”
As I walk away, leaving Rylee standing there, I feel like the biggest asshole. And I hate myself for it. But I love her more. I can’t force her to get help, and I can’t force her to see a doctor.
I lied to her just now. I told her I wouldn’t tell the guys, but if she doesn’t tell them within the next two weeks, I’m going to. This has gone on for far too long. I just hope she doesn’t hate me if I do.
“I can’t believe I’m free,” Len murmurs and Teo snorts. He’s happy to know the truth about what happened, but now that things have settled down, I can tell he’s still mad. I don’t blame him. I am too, but I wasn’t kidding about just taking tonight to drink and have some fun.
Rylee returns and she looks like she just had her heart ripped from her chest. I quickly stand and move over to her, pulling her into my arms. She sniffles against my chest, and I look over her head for whoever made her cry, but no one is there.
“What’s wrong, Cherry?”
She laughs and wipes her eyes. “Ugh, today has just been a lot. I think everything finally hit me. I'm okay, but I'll take some more cuddles,” she says and I sigh, holding her closer and kissing her head.
“I understand completely, baby. We have had one hell of a year, haven't we?”
“Yeah, but now things will be better,” she mutters and moves away from me, then frowns.
“Shit, we never got the drinks.” I glance around and realize Trev isn't here. That's weird.
“Where's Trevor?” I ask, and she gives me a shaky smile.
“He decided to give us some time alone. Said we should talk and work through things. He didn't want to intrude.”
I huff and pull out my phone. “Well, that's just dumb. He's family too, and I told him that when Len returned, we wouldn't kick him out of the bed.”
Rylee places her hand over my phone, stopping me from calling him. “You really mean that, don't you?”
“Of course, Cherry. He makes you happy, and smile. Plus, he was there for you when we all had our heads up our asses.”
Her tears start up again, and she leans in to kiss me. “I love you so much, Donny,” she mumbles against my lips, then pulls away.
“Soooo… can I call him now and tell him to come back?” I ask, but she shakes her head.
“No, he really did have to leave. You can see him at school on Monday.”
Teo stands and comes closer to us. “Is it just me or is this awkward as fuck? I mean, we are at the reception party for Missi and Len. Even though she's locked up, I feel like she's here, watching me.” He shudders and looks around.
Rylee laughs and he shrugs. “I'm being serious, baby girl. Let's just steal some bottles of wine and go back to the house, then order takeout.”
“Ugh, I thought you would never ask. This onesie is giving me a righteous wedgie,” I mumble, then waddle over to Len and Colt. I tell them the new plan and they agree immediately.
“Thank fuck, Missi's friends keep staring at me. Also, fair warning, watch out for Isla, she likes to accidentally walk in on people when they're naked,” Len mumbles, and Rylee stands taller.
“Who's Isla? Where is she?” she growls.
“Fuck. Cherry, stop,” I groan. “This outfit is too tight for an erection, and you being protective is hot as hell.”
Everyone looks at me and bursts out laughing. Len walks over to the bar and grabs some wine, champagne, and liquor. Teo helps him carry it.
He shrugs as he walks back over to us. “I paid for the shit,” he mutters and I smile.
