Chapter 31
SIENNA
I’m not sure if it was the shock of getting into a car wreck, the adrenaline coursing through my body, the mixed look of fear and anger on Beth’s face when she helped me out of the car, or the embarrassment from what Roman had said to me, but the moment we were back inside the lake house, I broke down into tears.
Beth took me up to her room to help me calm down. Thankfully, she knows exactly what I need. Silence as she sits there with me, her hand on mine, while I let out the many emotions I’m feeling at this moment.
When I finally stop crying, I look at Beth, conveying to her what I can’t bring myself to say out loud.
“I’ll pack my bag and call a car to pick us up.
You focus on getting your things from Theo’s room, and we’ll be out of here soon.
” She gives a small, reassuring pat on the back of my hand, and I nod, moving to go get my things.
I appreciate her understanding, as I don’t think either of us wants to ride in a car for two hours with Roman in the morning.
It’s amazing how much can change in an hour. I was naive to think I could have it all. To think this plan was actually working. Roman’s words and Theo’s recklessness put things into perspective for me tonight. I’ve been wasting my time.
Roman was right. This isn’t the respectable way to get a job. I knew I made a mistake turning down the other offer. This opportunity was too shiny to ignore, but I see now that I’ve made the wrong decision. I should’ve never agreed to this deal in the first place.
Theo is nowhere to be found. He never joined us inside when Beth and I walked away from him. Despite my mixed emotions right now, I still find myself hoping he’s okay. Then again, if he truly cared about me, wouldn’t he have followed me inside?
I’ve just finished packing up my things when Theo walks in the room. I look toward the doorframe, aiming my eyes at the floor as I’m too embarrassed to look him in the eye.
“You’re leaving already?” There’s a slight crack to his voice I try to ignore.
“I am,” I respond.
When Theo stays silent, I finally make eye contact with him. “Roman was right. We never should’ve tried to deceive our way into a job. We had fun, but it’s time we get back to reality.”
Why didn’t you follow me? Are you okay?
The questions cross my mind but get caught in my throat when I try to speak them out loud.
“Right. Well, at least we had fun.” The bite in his voice is like a slap across the face.
No. It was more than that. I feel more than that.
Again, words I can’t bring myself to say out loud.
“Right.” I nod my head, like this is the business transaction I originally wanted it to be. “This had to come to an end eventually.”
The truth of my words hits me harder than expected.
Summer flings are named for a reason. They don’t exist outside of the summer.
I was beginning to think I could make room in my plan for Theo, but the bite in his voice tells me he would have no interest in such a thing.
It’s time to take the rose-colored glasses off.
Theo is a distraction. Tonight reminded me that I have no time for distractions.
Seeing Beth in the hallway out of the corner of my eye, she holds up her phone, signaling to me that our ride is here.
I hold out my hand in a gesture to shake Theo’s. “Thank you for having me, Theo. I appreciate the hospitality. Fake dating was worth a shot, but it’s time to cut our losses.”
His lip curls up slightly at the sight of my hand.
“Right well, good luck with your job search then.” Ignoring my hand, Theo turns to exit the room, passing Beth as he heads down the stairs.
Beth and I wait a moment to give him space before following, with our bags in hand.
When we reach the front door, I catch a glimpse of Theo exiting onto the back patio.
Alex waits for us at the bottom of the stairs, but Leo and Roman are nowhere to be found.
Leo seemed to take the crash pretty hard, his hands shaking when he tried to check me for any signs of injury.
Thankfully, I didn’t get a scratch on me.
The whole crash looked worse than it actually was.
I was hoping to see him before I left, to make sure he was okay and to thank him for checking on me.
Unable to help myself, I ask Alex, “Is Leo okay?”
He nods. “He’ll be fine. He hasn’t had an anxiety attack this bad for a while, but we know how to handle it. One day of rest and he should be much better tomorrow.”
“I’m so sorry, we didn’t mean to trigger anythi—”
“It’s okay, Sienna. I know this wasn’t your fault. Come on, I’ll take your bags. We should get you guys in the car before the driver accepts another ride.” Alex gives us a smile, but it’s dimmed compared to the others I’ve seen from him. His voice carries less enthusiasm than usual.
As we head outside toward the car waiting for us in the driveway, Alex takes our bags. As he’s loading them into the trunk, I watch as the sun just barely begins to rise, painting the sky the faintest tint of blue from its previous black shade.
“Thank you,” Beth says to Alex, and I quickly follow suit.
“No problem.” Alex looks as though he wants to say more but shakes his head. “Have a safe trip.” It’s all he says before heading back inside. Beth and I cozy into the back seat of our ride, our driver taking off shortly after.
I shut my eyes until Theo’s Mustang is out of view. They start to blur as I watch the trees go by outside the car window.
This is the last time I’ll see Theo, and he couldn’t even shake my hand. An ache settles in my chest. One that I’m not sure will ever go away.