Chapter 24
There is one more month until Javier's fight. I’m excited but nervous for him at the same time. He has been training with Rey nonstop, at home and in the gym, six days a week. I have been helping them prepare their meals at home.
It has been difficult keeping my distance from Rey. It’s hard not to look at him when he’s shirtless in the ring training with Javier. His skin glistens under the lights like a mirror, and the way the sweat drips down his muscled chest. He’s all I can think about and the cause of the heat between my legs when I’m alone in my room, replaying that night. How right and wrong it was, and how it could never happen again.
Their mother is amazing. As soon as she walked into the house, I could tell that the loves of her life were in the room. Rey has a special bond with his mother. His admiration for her can be felt like the sun's warmth in the room.
My phone rattles on the wooden desk, causing the pens to pop like popcorn. When it goes off, I pick it up with a frown.
Jimmy: I miss you, Ari. I want you to know that I’m thinking of you.
He must be bored.
Jimmy: I hope you are doing okay. I’m lost without you. I made a mistake, and I’m sorry. I told Mandy I’m in love with you. Despite what you might think, I do love you, Ari. Don’t throw us away.
I doubt he felt this way when he was screwing her?
It’s been a while since he texted me. I mentally count a month and three weeks since his previous rant. I know there will be more, and on cue, the pens on the desk rattle from my phone going off.
Jimmy: I heard you were working at a boxing gym. I hope they are treating you right. If you need money, Ari, you could ask me.
Jimmy: Could you text me back so I know you’re okay? I checked the dorms, and you aren’t listed. I called your parents, but they hung up on me after they said they didn’t know where you were staying.
Shit, that’s why my mother called during class the day before yesterday. I told my parents the truth about Jimmy but lied about returning to the dorm.
Jimmy: I don’t know where you are staying, but I hope it’s safe. Please, Ari, answer me. I worry about you.
I shake my head. He must think I’m stupid or something. This needs to stop. He needs to let the idea of me going back go.
Ari: Stop texting me, Jimmy. I’m trying to work. I haven’t answered you because we’re done. I have nothing to say to you. We’re over.
I drop my phone after hitting send, and then it vibrates again. I pick it up, about to block Jimmy’s number, when I see it’s from Rey.
Rey: Is everything okay?
I look up, and he is leaning his shoulder on the doorjamb. His massive arms are folded over his shirtless chest, covered in sweat, and his cell phone is in his hand.
Ari: Everything is fine.
It isn’t. I’m tired of being used and rejected, of not being able to make it alone. I’m tired of having to depend on someone to survive and not be good enough for someone to want me.
Rey: Are you sure? You looked upset. Is something or someone bothering you?
It’s not your problem—I’m not your problem. But I don’t say it, I have to keep boundaries in place. I’ve avoided him as much as possible. I don’t sit close, and I avoid being alone with him at all costs. He’s my boss; I’m his employee. He’s made it clear there can be nothing between us.
Ari: I’m not upset. Thank you for asking, Rey. Did you need anything?
Rey: Is your ex bothering you?
Rey: Tell him I don't like that he’s still calling you.
Ari: If he was, I wouldn't tell him that. I don’t like lying.
I hate lying to him, but Jimmy is my problem.
I place my phone in my purse, but it goes off when he walks out.
Rey: Who said you were lying?