Page 23 of You for Her (The Edge of Retaliation 2)
I can’t let that continue.
“No,” I say, pulling away. Tears burn under my eyelids, and I hate that I’m crying so much lately. I hate that my emotions are becoming stronger than me. I’ve been through more than most people will ever go through in their lives, I’m stronger than this. “I can’t. I just can’t. Leave me alone, Tanner.”
I turn and rush inside, slamming the door.
Then I press my back to it, slide down to the floor, and cry.
Will this ever get easier?
8
“I OVERHEARD THEM TALKING this morning when I went to visit Tatum,” Jo tells me, sipping her coffee and leaning over the café table a little farther so nobody hears us. “I dropped by. It wasn’t easy, considering I had to play along with his texts and chatting in the last few days, but I had to let him think we’re friends, because I needed to get some answers. So, when he invited me over for a coffee before work, I accepted.”
“Wait, you and Tatum caught up?” I ask, scrunching up my nose.
“I told you I was going to find out as much as I could about Chase. Tatum likes me, it made sense.”
I narrow my eyes. “Are you sure it’s not more than that? You and Tatum, you have this weird connection …”
“I’m married, Callie,” she mutters.
She might be married, but she’s also incredibly unhappy. She’s confused and she’s lost. A man like Tatum could very easily make her think she has found her way, only to send it all crashing back down around her when she realizes it’s all a lie. I don’t want her to get hurt. I don’t want her to get too close to a man like that. Tatum is just as wrong in all of this as Tanner, I just haven’t figured out exactly how yet.
“Just be careful, honey. He likes you, that much is clear, I don’t want to see you get hurt. I don’t think Tatum is entirely a bad guy, but I do know you’re going through some really hard things with Pat and it can be tempting when you’re getting attention from someone as gorgeous as Tatum.”
“I’m not a cheater,” Jo scolds. “I’m sad you think that of me.”
I exhale. “No, no, you’re reading me wrong. I just mean when you’re in that situation, your judgement can become clouded and you can think someone is something they’re not because you’re looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. You’re smart, Jo. I trust you. I’m just saying be careful.”
She nods, and I feel bad, hoping I haven’t upset her. “I’ll be careful,” she says. “Anyway, do you want to know what I overheard?”
I nod, sipping my coffee.
“Well, I left my coat there, on purpose, of course. I wanted to see if I could catch any conversations by turning around and going back in after they thought I left. Tanner was there, as well as Andrea and Luka. I said my goodbyes and left, but then turned around ten minutes later and went back claiming to have forgotten my jacket. I walked inside, only they didn’t hear me come in. . .”
I swallow, remembering Tanner’s visit, remembering the things he said to me, the way he kissed me, and wondering what the hell is wrong with him if he’s still planning on doing something horrible to me. Is he planning on doing something horrible? It breaks my heart to even consider it.
I’m so stupid.
I should have never kissed him.
“They were arguing again over the issue with Celia. Of course, Tatum was all for calling you out, which made me angry, if I’m honest. I mean, I know it’s because he knows Chase did wrong and he’s trying to keep it hidden, but how dare he try and keep the focus on you. Anyway, Tanner was hesitant, Andrea was, too. They’re confused, I could tell by their conversation. Anyway, Tanner suggested getting proof. Maybe if they had something, to prove that Celia didn’t commit suicide, then they’d feel better about what they were doing.”
“What sort of proof could they possibly get?” I mutter. “They already believe she didn’t do it, what else do they think they could find?”
“That’s where it got interesting. If you’re lying, which part of them still believes you are, then they figure you’d have something to prove that. Maybe you’ve talked to someone, maybe you’ve got something that shows you are lying, I guess they’re looking for justification for what they’re doing.”
My heart feels like it’s going to fall out of my chest.
My hands shake, and I place them on my lap so Jo doesn’t see.
“Tanner suggested breaking into our place and seeing if they can find answers. Andrea agreed and said she could get us out of the house so they could make it happen.”
