Page 97 of The Monster I Am
Peyton raises an amused eyebrow, taking another sip. “There’s very little that would pull him away from this. Or you,” she adds with a knowing glance. “I know it must be something important then. But it also means he trusts you a lot, Bexley.”
“I’m kind of scared to ask. Just what exactly has he told you about us?”
She laughs quietly. “Little to nothing. He’s very guarded. Or defensive. I’m not sure which.”
“Stubborn?” I offer.
“That too.”
“We have it in common,” I joke. “You know we’re practically dating, right?”
Peyton nods. “Oh, yeah. I figured it out when he was having a meltdown every time your name was mentioned. Then suddenlyit was all rainbows, sunshine, and lollipops, and the two of you were hanging out. Coincidence? Hell no.”
I grin sheepishly. “That obvious, huh?”
“Sorry but yep. You’re a terrible actor. Almost as bad as Hunter.”
“But just to be clear… You’re saying I’m better, right?”
“Oh, definitely.”
The two of us share a laugh as the server approaches and we take turns giving our order. After he leaves to put it in, Peyton swirls her straw around in the drink.
“Since you were so openly honest with me, may I return the favor?” She asks quietly.
Nodding, I give her a reassuring smile. “Of course. Anything you say stays between us.”
Peyton lets out a shaky breath, focusing on the beverage. “I have an eating disorder,” she admits. “That’s why we have the weekly dinner thing. It’s Hunter’s idea of therapy.”
“Oh,” I murmur, taken aback at her confession. “Shit, that must be hard. Especially being around cheerleaders all the time. Well, whatever you need support wise, I’m here for you too.”
Slowly, she lifts her gaze to mine. “I appreciate that. It has been difficult. Some days are harder than others, but I like to think I’m getting there.”
“I’m proud of you for voicing it,” I tell her. “That took tremendous courage.”
A perplexed look crosses her face—almost as if she’s stunned to hear the words. “Thanks, Bexley. That means a lot.”
I let Peyton guide the conversation, careful not to push her or make her uncomfortable. She divulges little bits and pieces about her struggles, talking about their family, before we land on school and final exams.
Neither of us are overjoyed by the torture we’re about to endure, but we jointly agree that it will be worth it once we get to the other side.
The food comes and I catch myself watching her more closely, realizing that while Peytonisthe better actor out of all of us, the signs are definitely there once you know what to look for. She hesitates with the food, clearly in a mental battle before each bite.
But she does it.
Every single time.
What a fucking champion.
At Willowbrook, Peyton is quiet and reserved. I didn’t notice her much at first, distracted by Liv’s tantrums and mean girl energy. I think because of the crowd she hangs around, it’s easy to miss the quiet strength this woman has.
Well, she’d have to be strong to put up with that untoasted pop tart named Liv.
You should never underestimate someone who has been at war with their own mind. They are usually the strongest in the room.
We change topics to summer plans after our plates are cleared, and I’m so filled to the brim with breadsticks that I’m slapped back to unpleasant reality when a familiar annoying voice interrupts us.
“Wow. Isn’t this nice and cozy? The two of you on a little dinner date.”
