“Presley,” Oliver says.

I’m standing in clear view now, my eyes glued to the television. I don’t even know when my feet carried me into the room, but Oliver’s spotted me.

“Why are you . . .”

But I can’t hear him. The anchors casually toss grenades back and forth with their words—phrases like “outed by an anonymous source” and “public shame” and “reputation on the line.” I can barely make sense of it.

Dominic’s face is angled away from me, and I look at him imploringly, unable to read him. I just want to know what terrible thoughts are running through his head right now. His body is pulled tight like a string, like he’s about to snap.

Oliver sighs, pulling me out of my tunnel vision. When we make eye contact, he lets loose a strangled sort of laugh. “Well . . . this is awkward. Are you guys together?”

Dominic says, “No,” at the same moment I say, “Yes.”

My face flushes hot with emotion. Well, that’s humiliating.

Oliver takes that as his cue to leave.

behind him, he pauses. “Just let me know if I can

The door clicks shut.

breath, processing

almost makes me laugh. If he could, Dominic would do everything himself. I don’t know how he’s going to get out

“No.”

us resounds through me. Staring at the stony wall of his back, I finally comprehend the bitter reality

times over the past couple of months. Every time we had the chance to grow closer or shut the door on our issues,

of my calm, and my eyes flood with angry tears. You tried so hard, Presley. You’ve done everything you can for him. He’s made it clear

hoarse, and I

“TV?”

around to see Lacey rubbing her eyes sleepily. Over the sound of blood rushing in my ears, I didn’t hear

curls. She yawns and scrunches her eyes closed, giving Dominic enough time to shut the TV off. It would be horrible

says firmly. His voice is clear and calm, like he wasn’t just about to break my heart into a million ugly

can imagine exactly what he’d say. I can’t have more complications. And he would be right. He has two daughters and an entire

takes Lacey’s little hand in his and turns her back

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