have to care.
But with Natalie, I started to feel bad for my inner thoughts. I started to hate myself for hurting girls just because I was hurt. I had no reason besides the fact that I was immature. I admit there were a ton of girls who would call me the next day or even the next week looking for more from me but I couldn’t afford more. When I saw them, I would act like I didn’t even know them.
Sharon was the main girl I actually wanted something with before I had moved to Miami. The girls before her, I liked a lot, but they ended up destroying me as well. I seriously tried—especially after Mills told me not to fuck up anymore—but after Sharon I didn’t care anymore. She made me not want to give a damn about love. I hated love at one point because being in love is what had hurt me.
I don’t know what it is exactly that made me fall for Natalie but I want her back and I don’t care how I get her into my arms again, I just know I will. I’m not giving up on the girl who proved to me that there’s always a person who can bring out the best in someone else.
Chapter Eleven
Natalie
Harper pulls up to an Italian restaurant that’s on the border of Miami Beach. The seats we’re given by the hostess are amazing. We’re on the patio outside where a cool breeze continues to pass by and tons of white candles are sitting on the tables. It could pass for a romantic scene but we’re here as girls to gobble down some real food and then destroy some rich chocolate cake.
“This is so pretty,” Harper says as she places a hand on her chin, her elbow on top of the table.
“It really is.” We gaze out towards the beach where the water is rushing to the shore and then hurrying back. We watch it repeatedly before Harper finally sighs dramatically and looks my way.
“I have to tell you something,” she says.
I grab my cup of water and take a sip. “What?”
“I think Dawson went to Tampa to see an ex.”
My eyes narrow as I turn to face her, providing all of my attention. “What? Why would you say that?”
“Because he pocket dialed me last night and I heard a girl’s voice—and it wasn’t like a family member’s voice. She was giggling and saying his name as if he was messing around with her and she was trying to get him to stop. I didn’t want to think negatively but he hasn’t called me all day. I’m starting to worry.”
Harper’s gaze shifts to the body of water ahead again. It’s now that I notice she’s been acting a little off today. Even this morning, I could see the depression in her eyes but Harp has a good way of hiding things. I could tell something was wrong but had no time to ask because I had to get to class.
“Maybe you should confront him about it.”
“No, Nat.” She groans, planting her elbows on the table and rubbing her temples with her forefingers. “I just—I should have known he was too perfect. He treats me too good. I’m so blinded by him that I never think maybe he’s treating another girl the exact same way as he’s treating me.” She looks up at me and her hands fall, causing the table to rattle. “I didn’t tell you, but he mentioned another girl’s name in his sleep. It was like Ivy or something. I don’t know. I asked him the next morning who Ivy was and he brushed me off—acted like I was the one who was delusional.”
My mouth clamps shut, unsure of what to say. What can I say to that when I’m the one who told her to give him a chance? “Dawson just doesn’t seem like the type of guy who would hurt anyone. Nolan told me he doesn’t condone cheating, Harp.”
“There’s always a first time for everything,” she breathes.
As I open my mouth to speak, a waitress comes to our table in a collared burgundy shirt and black pants. She flashes a smile at us as she folds her fingers in front of her. “Hi. I’m Michelle. I’ll be your waitress for tonight. Can I start you off with anything to drink?”
I order a Mountain Dew and Harper orders a glass of wine.
“Great. I’ll get them right away. By the way, we have a