“It’s okay.” Tucking a towel around my head, I stare at my pale reflection in the mirror wondering when exactly I turned into this vampire-like version of myself. My collarbones jut out, confirming I’ve lost weight without even noticing. Bruising shadows attest to many sleepless nights, and my eyes have lost all their spark.
I look like I’m as dead on the outside as I am inside.
I could blame Reeve for this.
I do blame him for this.
But I blame myself more.
I’ve let myself get beaten down. Made excuses for him time and time again, and yet I’m the only one suffering the consequences.
Audrey watches with concern in her eyes as I brush my teeth, cleanse my skin, and comb my damp hair. “I need to call Reeve,” I say.
“Don’t.” She hands me my underwear, a pair of jeans, and a T-shirt. “He was pissed earlier when I spoke to him. You should let him calm down.”
“It won’t matter.” I get dressed and head back out to my bedroom. Fresh sheets adorn my king bed, and the window is open, clearing the noxious smells from the room. Audrey is such a good friend, and I’d be even more lost without her.
“He’s so fucking selfish, and he deserves to stew. I’m not sorry I ripped him a new one earlier, and I’m not sorry for interfering. I realize now I should’ve staged an intervention months ago.” Audrey grabs my shoulders. “Viv, are you listening to me?”
I nod, but I’m strangely devoid of feeling inside. It’s a welcome change, and I cling to the numbness like it’s a second skin.
“Dump him,” she continues. “He’s changed—and not for the better. He’s so selfish, and he even had the nerve to accuse you of cheating. He’s lucky he’s hundreds of miles away because I could happily kick his ass.”
I cock my head to one side. “Why would he accuse me of cheating?”
“That asshole Danny took photos of you dancing with guys last night, and he posted them along with the video.”
“He really did a number on me. Why? Why would he do that to me?” I ask, sitting down on my bed while I plug my cell in to charge.
“I’d like some answers too, but his cell has been deactivated. I managed to get a hold of Lawrence, and he swears he knows nothing. He went over to Danny’s dorm this morning, but he’s disappeared. Looks like for good. All his clothes are gone apparently.”
“He was paid to do this,” I surmise, logging on to one of the main gossip sites.
“Don’t look at that,” Viv pleads, attempting to snatch my cell.
“I need to see how bad it is.” I watch the video without flinching or passing comment. Like I’m a bystander and the drunk broken girl sobbing her heart out on the screen is some stranger and not me. The photos are pretty damning, and they don’t show me in a positive light, so I can kind of see where Reeve is coming from. Except he should know better. No matter how broken I am, I would never cheat on him.
I scroll through the nasty comments until Audrey grabs my phone and shoves it in her pocket. “You’re not reading any more of that poison. People are assholes. Especially those bitchy Saffhards.”
“They want me dead,” I say, in a monotone voice. “One girl said I should slit my wrists.” I peer off into space.
A sob rips from Audrey’s mouth and she leans down, hugging me. “Viv. You’re scaring the shit out of me right now, babe. Those people are scum of the Earth, and you’re not to read any more of that crap.”
My cell rings, and I grab it out of her pocket before she can stop me. Reeve’s face lights up the screen, and I press the button to accept his call. Audrey cusses, shaking her head.
“Viv?”
“It’s me.”
“What the actual fuck is going on with you? I can’t believe that video.” He wastes no time laying into me. “I have never seen you like that! If you wanted to hurt me, you’ve definitely succeeded. Did you cheat on me last night?”
I laugh at the irony, and once I start, I can’t stop.
“Vivien, what the hell? Stop laughing. This is fucking serious. You’ve landed me in a world of shit today. This will damage my brand and my rep.” He goes on in a similar vein, but I tune him out, watching Audrey whisper into her cell while sparing me troubled glances as she paces the floor in my room.
“Viv. Are you still there?” Reeve snaps.
“Are you done?” I ask, in a flat tone, lying prostrate on my bed and staring at the ceiling.