Page 48 of Say You'll Stay
Finally, when the silence becomes too heavy to bear, I set down my fork and look around at the faces of my loved ones. “I suppose you’re all wondering what happened last night.”
Sonya reaches across the table, taking my hand in hers. “Only if you’re ready to talk about it, sis. We’re here to listen, not to pry.”
I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the words that need to be said. “June showed up at my rental in San Diego. In the middle of the night. He said he needed to see me, that he couldn’t stay away.”
Mama’s brow furrows, concern etching deep lines into her face. “But how did he know where you were staying?”
I shake my head, frustration and fear warring in my chest. “That’s just it. I don’t know. He said he has resources, connections. That it wasn’t hard for him to find me.”
Song’s jaw clenches, his eyes hardening. “That’s not okay, Cara. That’s stalking, plain and simple.”
Louis nods, his expression grim. “Song’s right. No matter how he tries to spin it, what June did was a violation of your privacy and your trust.”
I feel tears prickling at the corners of my eyes, the validation of my fears both a relief and a crushing blow. “I just don’t know what to think,” I whisper, my voice cracking. “I love him, but… how can I trust him after this?”
Mama reaches across the table, taking my other hand in her weathered grasp. “Oh, honey. I wish I had all the answers. But what I do know is that you are strong, and brave, and capable of making the right choice for yourself. And no matter what you decide, we will be here to support you every step of the way.”
Sonya nods, fierce determination blazing in her eyes. “Damn right, we will. You’re not alone in this, Cara. Not now, not ever.”
As I look around at the faces of my family, at the love and loyalty shining in their eyes, I feel a flicker of hope spark to life in my chest. Maybe, just maybe, I can find my way through this darkness. Maybe, with their help, I can come out the other side stronger than before.
But there’s one more piece of news that needs to be shared, one bright spot amidst the turmoil. I turn to Song and Louis, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips.
“So, while we’re all here, is there anything else you two want to tell us?”
Song’s eyes widen, a blush creeping up his neck as he glances at Louis. “Well, actually… Louis and I, we’re…”
“Together,” Louis finishes, taking Song’s hand in his own. “Romantically. It’s new, but it’s real.”
For a moment, the kitchen is silent, the weight of their revelation hanging in the air. Then Sonya is out of her seat, a squeal of delight erupting from her lips as she throws her arms around them both.
“I knew it! I fucking knew it! This is the best news ever!”
Mama’s reaction is more subdued, but no less joyful. She rises from her chair, cupping their faces in her hands and pressing a tender kiss to each of their foreheads.
“Love is a precious gift,” she murmurs, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “Cherish it, nurture it. Don’t let it slip away.”
As I watch the scene unfold, a bittersweet mix of happiness and longing swirls in my chest. To see a love story blossoming, pure and untainted by the shadows of doubt… it’s a poignant reminder of everything I once had with June. Everything I fear may now be lost.
But I refuse to let my own pain dim the light of their joy. They deserve this moment, this celebration of their love. And I will be damned if I let my broken heart steal that from them.
So I rise from my seat, crossing the room to pull them both into a fierce hug. “I’m so happy for you,” I whisper, meaning every word. “You two are perfect for each other. Don’t let anyone tell you different.”
As the morning unfolds, filled with laughter and tears, shared stories and gentle reassurances, I feel the weight on my chest begin to ease. The road ahead is still shrouded in uncertainty, the path unclear and fraught with pain.
But here, in the warmth and love of my family, I know I am not alone. Together, we will weather this storm. Together, we will find a way through the darkness.
And maybe, just maybe, I will emerge on the other side stronger, wiser, and ready to face whatever the future may hold.
Even if that future doesn’t include June Deveaux.
Chapter eighteen
Fuck. Fuckity fucking fuck. The silence of my penthouse is deafening, broken only by the incessant ticking of the antique clock on the mantelpiece. Each second feels like a goddamn eternity as I pace back and forth, Cara’s absence a palpable ache in my chest. My phone, clutched tightly in my hand, remains stubbornly silent, mocking me with its lack of notifications.
It’s been days since I last saw her, since I last heard her voice. Days of pure, unadulterated hell. Every unanswered call, every ignored text, is a twist of the knife in my gut. I can’t bear the thought of losing her, of letting my fucking mistakes and my twisted obsession drive her away forever.
I’ve tried everything, like a pathetic lovesick puppy. Showing up at her house, planting flowers in her garden as a silent apology, a permanent reminder of my love. But even as I dig my hands into the rich soil, I know it’s not enough. It will never be enough, not until I grow a pair and face the ugly truth of what I’ve done, lay myself bare before her.