Page 161 of Revenge Puck

“Yeah, I can do that…”

It’s going to be awful, but I’ve dealt with worse.

I exhale slowly as she continues.

“Second, don’t talk to HR before you speak to her.”

“Really?” I ask. “That was me being responsible and proactive.”

“It reads like you trying to get ahead of a problem—which says you’re only thinking about damage control.”

I guess she’s not wrong…

It might appear that way.

“Third,” she says, holding up a finger. “When you tell her, don’t make excuses. Don’t tell her how hurt you were by her brother and his actions.”

“I was humiliated,” I argue feebly.

“And that’s valid,” she says. “But that’s between you and Declan. Not you and her.”

I go quiet.

“And last,” Sutton adds, her voice going softer. “You have to be prepared for her to send you packing. Because if I were Juliette, I would dump you so freaking fast?—”

“Thanks,” I mutter. “I get it.”

I do not need her to belabor the point.

She shrugs unapologetically. “I’m serious. I would light you onfire.”

“I feel so supported right now.”

“You asked for honesty.”

“I literally did not.”

Sutton laughs, delighted with herself. “You know that saying—if you love someone, let them go. If they come back to you, then you were lucky, and you better spend the rest of your life not being an asshole.”

Right.

Ihuffout a breath. “Now you’re making shit up.”

She grins. “The point stands.”

Silence settles between us again, but it’s not heavy anymore. Not combative.

“You going to call her?” Sutton asks.

I glance at my watch.

She’s at work, and I have to be at the gym.Shitty timing for a life-altering confession.

“I don’t know,” I admit. “I shouldn’t do this over the phone.”

“Good.”

“I don’t want to blindside her, either.”