Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right by Rosie Steppe

Chapter 21

Chapter 721

Tears were still running down Demi's cheeks when the suddenly rented, "Hoses, the starving Grab me risotto,"

"On it," I said quickly, "Want some meat, too?"

She used to be all about meat-then complain about dieting right der

"Meat helps you heal, right? Why not?" she replied with a playful grin, Ne the old Demi was still in there somewhere.

Her smile hit me harder than her tears. How could she act so normal when I knew the wasn't okay? I forced a grin. "Alright. Pork belly sound good?

"Make sure it's marbled, not all lean or fat," she quipped, her usual picky self.

"Got it. Only the best for you," I promised, standing up.

But instead of leaving, I hovered outside her door, leaning against the frame. A moment later, the sound of her quiet sobs slipped through.

I pressed my back to the wall, eyes shut, my chest tightening like I couldn't breathe. After a second to pull myself together, I headed out to grab her food. That's when I ran into Jace.

him coughing up blood-crimson dripping down his chin. It was so vivid, I couldn't shake

me too, but neither of us said

walked right past me, close enough for our shoulders to brush. No glance, no acknowledgment. Like I wasn't

as a

we were now. Just two people, no

belly, and a salad," I told the cashier, rattling

got her extra-just in

in hand, I left the restaurant. But there he was again-Jace,

car.

he was clearly waiting. I didn't say anything, just stared. "What are you doing here? Not feeling well?"

hospital cafeteria,

- 75 BONUS

up Demi, and Hayden was

glanced at the takeout bag. "You're still lying

then shrugged. "Fine. It's for Xander. He's

was bound to find out sooner

barely. The last

coughing blood. I bet part of him thought he'd have a chance now that Hayden

Xander being back? It messed with that