Chapter 33

I turn from him when I can’t control my tears anymore, not wanting him to see how badly this is ripping me apart as he gets closer, afraid to let him in. He comes behind me, unable to stop my sadness even when I feel his hands on my shoulders, and my traitorous body sags back against him.

“She’s only here because she needs a friend. After I broke up with her, her dad was diagnosed with cancer… he’s dying, Sophie, and she’s a mess. I couldn’t just cut her off. I’m not that guy, I have never been, and I can’t be cruel to someone who never deserved any of this. She knows we’re over. She knows it’s because I’m in love with you. She knows we’re not getting back together, even if I never get you back. I asked her to come here and see my family this weekend, to get her away from the city and her problems. I never thought anything would happen with you, and waking up to the realization that she was arriving while we were together in bed… I didn’t know how to handle it… That’s what the