Chapter 26
“They better get here soon.” Hero folded his arms, scanning the area.
Turning my head to see what Ayden was doing, I spotted him talking to Xavier, with Imani listening in.
“Yeah, hopefully,” I said, although I didn’t have much of an appetite. I was constantly reminded of Benji, and whatever situation Ayden was in.
Prior to the trip, Miss Kennedy made us give our phone numbers in case of an emergency, so she contacted one of them. Less than ten minutes later, the last group arrived.
Miss Kennedy made sure everybody was present, then unzipped a suitcase that she had brought with her, pulling out elegant outfits—dresses for girls, and suits for boys. Apparently, we wouldn’t be allowed inside the restaurant she was taking us to unless we dressed elegantly.
In a nearby restroom, I put on my dress, then waited outside for everyone else to be done. It seemed like I was the first one done, because nobody else was standing outside.
Benji came out of the men’s room first.
“You look nice,” Benji said, walking closer.
“You look nice too.” My brain didn’t stop those words before they reached my lips.
Benji smiled, but before he could say anything else, Hero stepped out of the men’s room.
Thank God.
I had never seen Hero in a suit before, so it was breathtaking. Compared to the outfit he got today, this made him ten times hotter. I didn’t know that was even possible. He had always been perfect in my eyes, no matter his flaws.
He flashed a smile but instantly tightened his jaw as he saw Benji near me. He rushed over, wrapping one arm around my waist. “Get lost.”
Benji glared at me, expecting me to tell Hero to chill out. But I didn’t. He needed to leave. Yet, he didn’t budge. He stood his ground, clearly not afraid of Hero—not even one bit.
For some reason, he wanted to help me get away from Hero. But that’s not what I wanted. Far from it.
Did he have a savior complex or something?
I subtlety shook my head at Benji, signaling that he should back off. He narrowed his eyes. “See you later, Pepper.”
Hero kept an eye on Benji as he walked away. He gently turned me to face him, then took his hand off my waist. I couldn’t make eye contact. I felt so guilty. I was guilty.
“Seriously, what’s his deal?” Hero seethed.
“Yeah, I don’t know,” I muttered, fidgeting with my dress.
He noticed my lack of eye contact. “Pepper, what’s wrong? Look at me.”
I attempted to make eye contact, only to instantly look back down. Hero lifted up my chin, forcing me to look into his eyes—his soft, dark brown eyes that were a lighter shade as it shined in the sun.
“Are you hiding something from me?” he asked in a soft tone.
A panic started to creep up my entire body, making it difficult to breathe. The world around me started to spin and I felt as if I was falling. My heart was racing so much to the point I felt like I was going to throw up.
No, I couldn’t be having a panic attack. Not in Paris. Not in front of Hero.
“Whoa,” he said as I was starting to lose my balance. He wrapped his arms around my waist to keep me from falling. “Hey, you’re okay.” He attempted to comfort me, but it only made it worse. His gentle voice made me feel even more guilty. A thousand times more guilty.
“You’re okay,” he repeated. “You don’t have to tell me right now.”
But I would have to tell him eventually. That’s what he was implying. But I couldn’t. He couldn’t know.
“Don’t think about what’s bothering you,” he said. “Take deep breaths.” He guided me through taking a few deep breaths.
I calmed down, but started bawling my eyes out. On his chest. He rubbed my back and kissed the top of my head. He hummed soothingly, calming me down further. I could sleep right there, in his arms, only if I wasn’t standing.
Some of our classmates did come out of the restrooms during my panic attack, but none of them dared to get near Hero. Until Ayden stepped out.
He rushed over. “What happened?” he asked Hero, concerned.
Hero stayed silent for a moment before responding. “A panic attack.”
“What?” Ayden gasped. “Did I—”
“Not everything is about you,” Hero spat. He sucked his teeth, then continued. “I think she’s hiding something and doesn’t want to tell me. She was scared, just like you were at the store.”
Ayden bit his lip. “I’m sorry, Pepper.”
What did he mean? It wasn’t his fault. It was mine. He had nothing to do with it.
“Did you do something to her?” Hero asked sharply.
“No,” Ayden said quickly. “No, I didn’t. I would never. I just feel sorry, that’s all.”
I wiped my tears and took a step back, turning to face Ayden. “Don’t feel sorry for me. I hate that.” I turned my gaze to Hero. “I can’t tell you what happened, but just know I’m so sorry.”
“Whatever it is,” Hero said, “I forgive you. It’s the least I can do in return for you forgiving me for everything I’ve done.” He gently smiled, holding both of my hands. “Let’s head back.”
* * *
Following Miss Kennedy to the second floor, we entered the fancy restaurant. She let us sit anywhere and told us we could order anything we wanted, as she was the one paying.
Everyone sat near windows, admiring the view outside.
Ayden didn’t sit near me though. He sat with them.
The popular clique. It was infuriating seeing him hanging out with them.
It infuriated Hero as well, if not more.
Not because he wanted Ayden hanging out with him—if it was, I would be surprised—but because he knows it hurts me.
Ayden is one of my best friends, and he’s choosing them over me.
Ever since I broke things off with him, he hasn’t acted like himself. Could that be the reason for his irrational behavior? Or was there something else?
Looking over the menu as the waiter approached the table, I decided to order crab, while Hero decided on cod. After ordering, he rested his head on my shoulder and squeezed my hand from under the table, as if he were afraid I would get another panic attack.
A few classmates giggled while staring in my direction. They were definitely talking about us. Or maybe just me. I couldn’t tell; they were too far away. Ultimately, Ayden said something to them and they instantly lowered their smiles and stopped looking in my direction.
Ayden gave me a quick smile. But it was a pity smile. I didn’t want his pity.
I wanted my best friend back.