The Hating Season (Seasons #2) - K.A.Linde Page 0,60

much nobody did. Josh and Lark and Poise gave me social proof in these cutthroat industries. But I was no different than Natalie.

Which made it all the more problematic.

Because no fairy-tale ending waited for me and Court.

No wedding in Paris and a reception at The Plaza.

That was never going to happen.

I’d fooled myself into it once with Josh, and look at how well that had turned out.

No, Katherine was right. It didn’t matter that I’d fallen for Court Kensington. That I… actually liked him. Because it was hopeless for a girl like me to end up with a guy like him. Not when I was clearly destined to end up just like my parents.

I needed to walk away. Just walk away from it all.

“Thanks,” I finally got out. “Your insight is helpful.”

She nodded once. I could see the thoughts swirling through her head. She was so cold and abrasive to so many people. But I could see the pain in that moment.

“What about Camden?” I managed to ask.

She lifted one shoulder. “He’s Camden.”

“Do you love him?”

Katherine met my gaze. “It really doesn’t matter.”

“Why?”

“Because he doesn’t love me. He’ll never love me.”

Then, she unlocked the restroom door. A line had formed, just like in Robert’s apartment. But Katherine disappeared through the door like a specter through walls. I wished that I’d had that ability.

I took another breath and then followed her out. I just needed to find Lark and let her know I was heading home. There was no reason to stay here and torture myself. No reason at all.

Lark and Sam held each other like a lifeline as they slow-danced. I had to meander around an array of couples before I reached them.

I tapped Sam’s shoulder. “Mind if I cut in?”

Sam jolted and then saw it was me and laughed. “Sure thing, English.” He winked at Lark. “I’ll get us drinks.”

Lark glowed as she looked at him. Then, she turned her attention back to me. “What’s going on?”

“I didn’t mean to ruin your dance. I just wanted to tell you that I was leaving.”

“Leaving?” she asked in surprise. “But the reception just started.”

“I know.”

Lark took my arm and pulled me off the dance floor, stopping only when we were in a secluded area together. “Will you tell me what’s going on? Is it Josh? I knew that a wedding reception would be hard for you. But I thought since there was no ceremony…”

“No,” I said hastily. “It’s not Josh.”

Lark held my hand. “You can talk to me.”

I opened my mouth and then closed it. I had no idea how to tell her this.

“English, I feel like something has been bothering you for weeks. You were the only one who was really there for me when all that stuff happened with Sam. I couldn’t imagine going through that alone. Whatever it is, I don’t want you to go through it alone either.”

“I slept with Court,” I blurted out.

Lark’s jaw dropped. “What? When?”

I winced. “Which time?”

“Oh fuck,” Lark said with wide eyes. “I never thought you and Court…”

“Me either.”

“I mean, I suggested you for the job, knowing you were immune to douchebag behavior.”

“I know. I know.”

“How did this happen?”

I ran a hand back through my hair and sighed. “At first, it was because I was so upset about Josh. I was taking all my anger out on Court. And it just exploded between us. I thought it was all rebound…”

“But it’s not just rebound?” she asked, her green eyes wide.

“Oh god, Lark, stop looking at me like that.”

Lark ran a hand down her face. “I’m sorry. I’m in shock. Is this why you were asking me if he was a playboy the other day? Why you were acting so weird together at the primary?”

I nodded. “Yeah.”

“And now, you… what? Do you like him?”

I winced again.

“Fuck,” Lark whispered.

“I know. Look, I told him we were a bad idea. That I’d end up fired. That we couldn’t do this. Plus, I was just some notch in his belt. That he was just a playboy and that he’d cheated on Jane. I just laid into him.”

“But like… all of that is true?”

“Well, I guess he’s not a playboy anymore? I don’t know, Lark. He said he didn’t cheat on Jane, and I was the only person that he’d slept with since Jane.”

“He’s here with Poppy Arlington,” Lark said, throwing her hand out. As if that proved that he was back to his manwhore ways.

“I know. Trust me. I don’t know what to believe. All I