Serenity Falls(60)

I’m shocked to hear that he was so cold to her. That doesn’t sound like the Wes I know at all. The first night we slept together, he was so tender—he made it all about me. He’s never once made me feel used or cheap. His words from before play back in my head. I’ve lived a fast life and I know I needed to change. Could he do to me what he did to Jackie? No. He’s been nothing but honest, sweet, caring, and gentle with me. Sarah’s words from earlier come back to me, ‘Just remember, even good people have made mistakes and have their downfalls.’ They sure do.

“I’m sorry that happened to you,” I reply softly, and I am.

“Don’t feel sorry for me. I’m just warning you ahead of time what he’s like,” she snaps.

I know she’s upset, and a part of me feels bad for her, but another part of me wants to say it was three summers ago. You need to get over it. But I can’t and I won’t say that, because I’ve never been in that situation before. Even when I lost my virginity to Jarred, and even though it was only that one time, I didn’t feel used. We weren’t in love, but we did love each other. I take a deep breath, trying to figure out what to say. As bitter as she is right now, I know nothing I say will matter. “I don’t really know what to say.”

“You don’t what to say. How about you go tell him y’all are through, before he breaks your heart too,” she grits out.

I roll my eyes and suppress a laugh. She would want me to break things off with him. All that shit about the tree house, I don’t doubt it’s true, but still she said all this shit just to plant a seed of doubt in my head. I may be a little timid, but I’m not a fool.

I close my eyes and take another deep breath. I’m really not a confrontational person, but everyone has a snapping point. “I’m not gonna do that, Jackie.”

“But—”

I hold up my hand, cutting her off.

“I’m not going to end things with him because of what he did to you. Like I said, I’m sorry for what happened to you, but I like Wes a lot, and I think he feels the same way about me. He’s told me a little of what he used to be like, but I can tell you, he’s not like that with me.”

“Then you’re just as delusional as every other tramp he fucks,” she scoffs.

I gasp from the hostility that she’s directing toward me. What happened to the fun and chatty Jackie that I met last summer? Now, it’s my turn to be pissed because, quite frankly, I’m hurt by her words. “Fuck you, Jackie. I’m not some tramp. How dare you say that to me? I’ve been nothing but nice to you since we’ve met. Then you come here this summer and shoot daggers at me from across the room for no reason. I didn’t come here looking for some summer romance or a meaningless fling. I met a great guy, and I’m not going to apologize for it. And I’m definitely not going to stop seeing him because that’s what you want.” My chest heaves up and down from the hurt and anger boiling inside me. Right before I turn to leave, I add, “When you’re done being bitter, come find me. I’d like to talk about this like two adults.”

I didn’t realize how loud I was being until I spun around. I’m surprised to see Wes standing behind me, arms crossed over his chest, and a menacing look on his face. He looks from Jackie to me, and I can tell that he’s wondering if I’m going to bolt because of what she said. I stand there, slowly taking in how many sets of eyes are on me. I take a deep breath and stand behind what I just said to Jackie. My steps are slow but deliberate as I walk up to him. I reach out and cup his cheek. He looks down at me with sad eyes as he leans into my touch. “This doesn’t change anything between us. I’m still here, but right now, I’m gonna head back to the house,” I say quietly.

“You want me to come with you?” he asks as his head hangs down in shame of what I’ve just found out.

“No. You stay here and hang out with your friends. I just need to be alone right now.”

“I really think I should come with you. Obviously. We need to talk about this.”

“You’re right. We do, but right now, I need some space. I need to process all of this, but know this. We are okay. Okay?” I whisper, lifting his head, only to wait for his eyes to meet mine.

“I understand,” he murmurs with a slight nod. “I can drive you back if you want.”

I shake my head. “I’m gonna see if Brantley will do it.”

“I’m sorry that you had to find out about that—”

I place my finger over his lips, quieting him.