Page 131 of Broken Romeo

They aren’t my people. They never will be.

As much as I want to belong in this industry, it’s becoming abundantly clear that maybe I don’t have what it takes to make it. Not if making it means lying, cheating, and hurting the people you claim to love.

I press my palm to the growing ache in my chest and turn to leave.

Senator Dorsey’s voice stops me before I make it a single step away. “I was right about you five years ago, wasn’t I? Bad luck just follows you around.”

I spin to face one of the main people responsible for making my life in college—and after—such hell.

“Don’t,” Holden whispers, turning me towards him. He cups my face gently. “He’s not worth it. Please, Katherine. Just let me take you home—”

But I’m not even listening to him. I know Senator Dorsey’s not worth it. I recited that rhetoric to Holden for months in college. But I can’t seem to stop myself from responding. I tear away from Holden, spinning to face his father.

“Bad luck follows me around?” A bitter laugh cracks at the back of my throat. “I’m not the one with a son who hates me, a disastrous marriage, and a political career that ended in scandal.”

I always expected this moment to be more rewarding. For five years, I’d thought I wanted to look this man in the eyes and tell him just what I think of him. The reality is, it’s anything but rewarding. I feel even worse now than I did before.

And I should’ve known that flinging insults at Holden’s dad would have no impact. Instead, his mouth twists into a sadistic smile.

I step back from Holden’s embrace, shaking my head. “And you? I thought you’d changed.” Tears fill my eyes. It’s like I’m right back in college again. In love with a boy who can’t seem to get out from under his dad’s thumb and feeling like I’ll never be enough for him. “I wish you’d never come back into my life, Holden.”

With that, I turn and run from the party.

But here’s the thing about wishes. You never know if you truly mean them until they come true.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

Holden

Five Years Ago…

Monday morning, I woke up like a different man. The ache in my shoulder was almost entirely gone. An entire day of sleep and heavy duty pain meds were just what I needed.

I opened the last text message thread I had from Kate … or rather from Rose. To Light.

She had sent the message right after she’d run away from the hot tub.

@AnyOtherRose:

The panties are in the locker. But I can’t do this anymore. Consider me retired.

I’d nearly bolted out of the hot tub to respond to her immediately.

@LightBreaks90:

Understood. No pressure to continue, but out of curiosity, can I ask why?

I held my breath, wincing as I wrapped the towel around my waist and waiting for her reply. I didn’t have to wait long.

@AnyOtherRose:

I like someone. And I can’t do this and pursue that someone.

I was on cloud nine the rest of the night. Despite my aching shoulder. Despite the terrible game I’d had. Despite everything.

Because Katherine liked me.

She liked me so much, she was walking away from the money. Good girl that she was.