Page 26 of This Life of Mine

“It’s just cold feet,” she says, laughing again, but this time it sounds hollow.

“It’s normal.” The words tumble out too quickly, as though she’s trying to convince herself as much as anyone else.

I stare at her. Really stare at her. And all at once, my anger vanishes.

My sympathy goes out to her. Truly.

Because she believes she’s special. She thinks she’s the exception. She thinks a man who cheated with her somehow won’t cheatonher. The poor idiot genuinely believes she’s won a prize.

“You’re either delusional or just pathetic,” I say.

Her eyes widen. The words land precise because I don’t raise my voice.

“If you actually believe that, you definitely deserve one another.” I rub my forehead, unable to hide my disbelief.

“Narcissistic cheaters don’t change for anyone.” Cassie’s jaw tightens.

Her eyes begin to shine. Not quite tears. But close.

“Not even for little golden retrievers like you, desperate for attention.”

Her mouth drops open. The insult strikes its mark. Because somewhere deep down, she already knows. She knows what he is. She knows what he’s capable of. And she knows I’m right.

I give her a tight smile.

“Good luck with all that.”

I tuck my phone back into my pocket and turn away. This time, I don’t stop walking.

Behind me, I can hear Cassie sputtering, trying to find a comeback. She doesn’t.

Val practically jogs to catch up.

The second we round the corner and Cassie is out of sight, she grabs my arm.

“Well,” she whispers dramatically, “I was really hoping to see Cassie’s face smashed in by your fist the day we finally came across that hoe.”

I bark out a laugh despite myself.

“But I get it. She’s pregnant. She gets a pass.” Val pauses thoughtfully. “At least for now.”

“Oh, I thought about it.”

My pulse is still racing. Adrenaline buzzes beneath my skin. My hands are shaking just enough to annoy me.

“By the way,” Val says.

“What?” I ask.

She stops walking and I glance over.

Val is grinning so hard her cheeks look like they hurt. “That was fucking awesome.”

I laugh. A real laugh this time. The knot in my chest gives a little, loosening with every breath.

Chapter eight

Lina