Now or Never

Grayson practically ran out the front door.
    Once in her jeep with shaky hands she sent Derrick a text.
    I guess I see where I rate on your scale.
    She waited, but there was no return text. She threw her phone out of frustration, and it hit the bag with the pendant inside of it. How could she have been so naive to believe him? What really bothered her was the fact that he lied about the girl. They had agreed they were not exclusive, and she had told him when she went off with someone else. And yet Derrick kept insisting there was nothing going on with the blonde. She dropped her head back against the seat and closed her eyes. Anger and disappointment filled her body. What she should do is go back in there and throw the gift at him, and just walk away confidently.
    Why didn’t I listen to my damn sister-in-law? That’s what I get for falling in love with a man who didn’t feel the same, Grayson thought, isn’t life grand?
    She wished she could forget her time spent with Derrick. Instead, she seemed to be able to think of nothing else but those hours spent with the man she fell in love with. Anger and rage churned in her stomach.
    Grayson pushed the door open and walked up and down the rows of cars in the parking lot until she found Derrick’s black Chevy. The pewter pendant felt heavy in her hand. She draped it over the driver’s side mirror and walked away. What was intended as a see you soon gift was now a good-bye present. He might not even notice it when he got in the car, and it would end up on the highway somewhere.
    Whatever, it’s probably better off that way.

CHAPTER 29

    A week later Grayson was online checking out colleges when her messenger chimed. It was Derrick. She was disgusted with herself that her heart hammered against her chest when his name popped up. Why the hell did her body respond like this? Too bad there wasn’t some kind of off switch.
    Sorry about the bookstore.
    Are you? You could have fooled me.
    How have you been?
    I’m fine. What did you think I would fall apart after you left? Don’t give yourself too much credit.
    I wasn’t thinking that at all. Just asking how you’re doing.
    A week is a long time to let pass before contacting me.
    It always takes a while to get Internet connection when we get over here. I figured you knew that from Ethan.
    She did know that was true, but had forgotten about it in her fury. Surely, he could have sent her a text before he left. So he wasn’t off the hook. And she wasn’t stupid enough to get pulled back into his web of lies. She was done, depleted, and worn out.
    You could have sent me a text that evening or the morning you were leaving.
    You’re right I could have. I should have.
    It doesn’t matter.
    Sorry you feel that way.
    Seriously? You have a lot of nerve.
    Gray, you have gone home with several men since we’ve been together.
    I didn’t hide it from you. I didn’t lie about it. I’ve gone home with two men, not several. And both times I did, it was because I was pissed at you.
    And?
    And nothing.
    How do I know you’re telling the truth? We never agreed to give a tally just to use protection. Correct?
    You’re right. Neither of us is blameless, but you should have told me the truth.
    If you don’t want to chat I won’t contact you again.
    I do want to talk to you. I’m just confused, and I guess hurt. Why wouldn’t her brain co-operate with her hands?
    Grayson, we agreed this was casual.
    I know. I’m a fool. Just so you know after the book store incident, I can’t wait for you. I have too much self-respect for that.
    I didn’t expect you to.
    I would have waited….
    Maybe. I guess we’ll never know.
    Guess not. In a way, I’m glad I saw you.
    Oh?
    Yeah, I would have been pissed if I waited around for three months. I guess I either have to be happy with what we have or move on. I’m leaning towards moving on.
    That’s up to you.
    Obviously.
    Let’s just see what happens when I get back. Ok?
    She blew out a breath. Ok.
    Later that evening she went out with Luna and finally filled her in on Derrick. She had kept it a secret, but Luna wasn’t stupid she knew something had been going on.
    “Well that sucks,” Luna said thoughtfully. Grayson was surprised her sister didn’t lecture her.
    “I asked for it.”
    “Yeah maybe, but why would he pick someone else over you? I personally take insult to that as someone who looks exactly like you.”
    Grayson shrugged and tried not to let the tears start flowing.