“How much do you think she hates me?” I asked, my heart pounding vigorously in my chest.

“She won't hate you” Erica assured me, as we drove back to Tyler and I’s apartment.

“You saw her face” I mumbled, looking out the window, wanting to slam my fists against the dash. Why did I ever think it was a good idea keeping it from her? Oh right, Derek threatened to ruin my career, and my relationship with Haley. Guess he got half his wish.

“Jamie she doesn't hate you, I promise” Tyler spoke up finally after Erica and I went through a conversation that basically argued back and forth about her hating me or not hating me.

“But-”

“Can I ask why you didn't tell her?” Erica asked loudly, not wanting to hear more of my whining.

“Because Derek threatened to ruin my career and my friendship with Haley if I did. Then, when they broke up, he told me to end things otherwise he would make sure she wanted nothing to do with me- looks like he won!” I shouted exasperated.

Erica stayed silent for a moment, and to be honest the longer she was silent the more anxious I became.

“Just tell her that” Erica spoke up softly, a look of pure hatred on her face. “I fucking hate that asshole!” She shouted, slamming her hand against the steering wheel. “And I hate that my sister is such a slut”

“I'm sure she's not that bad” Tyler offered, feeling a little weird about her calling her own sister a slut. I'd never say that about my sister; then again she would never do something as shady as this.

“This isn't the first time she's done this” Erica shook her head in frustration. “Last time it was with my boyfriend” oh, fuck.

“I- I'm sorry” I apologized, feeling genuinely bad.

“I'm sorry Erica, I didn't know” Tyler piped up, feeling bad for defending her.

“It's fine, you don't have to apologize” she shrugged. “And Jamie. For what it's worth you did the right thing; Haley will get that. She's worked with the dude for years, she knows what he's like” she added, trying to make me feel better.

“I really hope you're right” I mumbled to myself, looking out the window, growing increasingly frustrated with the slow traffic. Why was it when you needed to be somewhere you got all the red lights?

“Don't worry, I am” she smiled, finally pulling into the parking lot. I felt my heart beat even faster; I hoped to god she came back here and didn't go somewhere else to cool off. “Now, go talk to your woman” she instructed. She didn't have to tell me twice.

I was out the door, into the complex and in front of Haley's door in record time. I held my breath as I knocked on her door.

“Haley?” I asked softly, knocking lightly once more. “Please open up” I whimpered, insure if she would even listen to me. I heard the door unlock and the door swung open.

I was surprised at her appearance. She had ditched the outfit she had worn all night, instead deciding to wear a pair of leggings with one of my shirts overtop. Her hair was thrown in a messy bun and she looked… Content.

I wasn't sure what to expect, honestly; but it wasn't this. I was half expecting for her to slam the door in my face. Or to not even open up. Or… Anything but this. She looked content, not upset at all.

“Hey Jame” she smiled looking in the hallway before ushering me inside and shutting the door. She lead me to the kitchen, where she was sipping on a glass of wine. “Want anything?” She asked, gesturing to the fridge.

“No, thanks” I mumbled, not being able to concentrate on much else. “I'm so sorry I didn't tell you” I blurted out, not being able to hold it in any longer.

“Jamie, it's fine” I didn't even hear what she said I was too busy rambling.

“It's just he threatened me, and I was scared, and I didn't want to hurt you and I'm so, so, sorry” I said so quickly I wasn't sure she even heard me.

“Jamie it's-” I cut her off again.

“Please forgive me, I didn't do it to hurt you I just-” this time it was her turn to cut me off. Much to my surprise she answered by pressing her lips to mine in a kiss, which I returned eagerly, my heart returning to its normal rate.

“Jamie, I forgive you” she smiled when she pulled away. She grabbed my hand and led me to the couch, where we both sat. She sat close to me, holding my hands in hers. To say I was confused was an understatement.

“You- you don't hate me?” I asked bewildered.

“I could never hate you, Jame” she shook her head, dismissing my statement completely.

“Then why did you run away?” I asked with a frown of confusion.
“I know what Derek's like, Jame” she shook her head in frustration. “I know you'd never keep this from me unless he threatened you- which I've seen him do to get what he wants, I've worked with the guy for a long while” she sighed heavily, scooting closer to me. “The only reason I ran was so Derek thought he succeeded in whatever it was he wanted to accomplish and would leave both of us alone; and I'm so sorry, I didn't want to hurt you”

Wow. How did I get so lucky? I was the one who kept something from her, and she was the one apologizing for running away from me when she found out? I loved this girl.

“I- I thought you'd never want to see me again” I whispered honestly, not being able to retain eye contact.

“There's nothing Derek could ever do to make me not want to see you Jamie” she spoke just as softly as I did. "You're the most important person in the world to me, Jame. I don't know what I'd ever do without you. I would never let someone as slimy as Derek get in the way of us being together" her words made my heart soar.

"You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that" I told her honestly, holding her tighter.

“What did he do?” She asked curiously.

“He threatened to end my career at first” I told her softly. “And to end our friendship if I told you. I was scared, I didn't know what he was capable of… And when we got together he told me he'd make it so you'd never want to see me again” I ended in a whisper, closing my eyes and sighing. I still wasn't keeping eye contact; I remained incredibly guilty.

“Jamie look at me” she spoke and my eyes shot open.

“I'd never forgive myself if he ruined your career because of me. You did the right thing. Besides, I got the better end of the deal here” she told me worriedly. I cocked my head to the side, unsure of what she meant. She leaned in, kissing my cheek before whispering in my ear. “I got you”

I smiled widely, pulling her I'm for a kiss which she returned with just as much force as I. She climbed on top of me, our kiss quickly deepening into a heavy make out session. After a few moments she pulled away, allowing the both of us to catch our breath.

“Are we okay?” She asked innocently, still trying to catch her breath.

“Of course we are” I told her firmly, glad in a way she finally knew about Derek. It wasn't something I was proud of keeping from her. It wasn't something I ever wanted her to know. When her relationship with him ended I had hoped that was the last I would ever have to see of him.

“I love you Jamie” she told me, interrupting my thoughts. She looked at me curiously, searching my eyes for something that told her I felt the same. I don't think I could have had a bigger smile on my face; of course I felt the same. I had for a long time now. I grabbed her and flipped her on the couch, looking at her with desire.

“I love you too”

Notes

hope you guys are still enjoying this story!' Thanks for reading :)