My chest felt tight, my eyes burning with unshed tears, but I refused to break down. Not here. Not now.
Behind me, I could still hear Vanessa’s voice, light and mocking. “Well, that was dramatic,” she said.
I didn’t look back. By the time I made it outside, I was trembling, my breaths coming too fast.
I didn’t stop running until I was halfway home, the cool night air stinging my cheeks. My mind was racing, the image of Vanessa and Caleb burned into my memory. Logan’s voice rang in my ears, his words echoing louder than the pounding of my heart.
I didn’t know who to trust anymore—not Caleb, not Logan, not even myself. And as I stepped through my front door, I realized one thing for certain: I couldn’t keep running forever. Something had to give.
***
The knock at my door came late. I opened it to find Caleb standing on the porch, his hands shoved into his jacket pockets. He looked... different. Gone was his usual smirk, replaced with an expression that was equal parts regret and determination.
“Can we talk?” he asked, his voice quieter than usual.
I hesitated, my stomach twisting but still I stepped aside, letting him in. He stood in the entryway, his shoulders tense as he looked at me. “I screwed up,” he said finally. “And I’m sorry.”
“Okay.” I shrugged.
He raised his eyebrow. “Okay?”
I crossed my arms, my irritation boiling inside. “What do you want me to say, Caleb? That it’s fine? That I’m okay with you letting Vanessa kiss you?”
He sighed, running a hand through his messy hair, a gesture I used to find endearing. “Come on, Em! You know it’s not like that. She was drunk, and I didn’t want to deal with her drama.”
“Or you just didn’t want to stop her?” I snapped.
Caleb winced, his gaze dropping to the floor. “I know, I should’ve stopped it sooner. I shouldn’t have let it happen at all.”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
”Look, I never wanted to hurt you. I like you, Emma. More than I’ve liked anyone in a long time. And I don’t want to lose you.”
I wanted to believe him. I wanted to let his apology wash away the hurt and anger, but the memory of that moment was still too fresh.
“I need time.”
Caleb nodded. “Okay. I got it. You’re worth waiting for.”