I pull into a spot in front of Rebecca’s building and park. For the first time since we left Preston’s, I rest my muscles and lean back in my seat with a deep sigh.

“I fucked everything up, Bec.”

“Yeah, you did.” She smiles gently. “I’ll ask you again, Aleck… Why didn’t you tell her we aren’t romantic?”

“Because she’s in love with me.”

The words said aloud are like a declaration of the mess I’ve made. A resounding crack of pain hitting both my head and my heart simultaneously. Rebecca stays silent, her eyes piercing through me knowingly.

Pulling my shoulders back, I lift my chin, remaining controlled. “I don’t want to break her heart. She’s hurt now, but if we spend more time together, it will be so much wors—”

“Aleck…” Rebecca holds her hand up to stop me from continuing on the road I was heading down. The road that would have concluded at a dead end of bullshit. “What do you think living without the man she loves will do to her heart? She’s either going to live this life bruised or scarred just like the rest of us. Bruises heal.”

I tighten my jaw and stare ahead.

Rebecca lets out an exasperated breath. “Your mom was a piece of shit, Aleck. Don’t let the lies she told you about yourself become the narration of your life. You’re one of the most capable and impressive men I’ve ever met, so sack the hell up and go get your girl back. That’s your friend talking, not your therapist.”

She leans forward and kisses me on the cheek, then smirks. “Thanks for the awkward night. Talk when you get back from New York?”

“Yeah, I’ll call you when I’m back. Goodnight.” I watch Rebecca get out of my car and walk through the entrance of her building before I start my car and drive toward home.

It would take nothing for me to head in Winter’s direction. The address Trent found is programmed into my phone. I could just… Taking a deep breath, I think better of it, and continue driving to my condo. She needs to cool down and I need to respect her space.

* * *

After working out until my body could barely stand, then taking a shower, I lie across my bed, staring at the last text Winter sent me.

Winter: Aleck, please call me. Even if I only hear you breathe, I want to know that you’re okay.

I wasn’t okay. I thought my dad was dying. When I left her at the resort, I knew what I had done. I didn’t know where to go from there, how to fix it. I didn’t know how to deal with losing the only father I’ve ever known if his condition worsened, or how to be there for my mom and Hayden. Then there was the firm and contacting specialists, trying to get my dad the best care money could pay for.

I was a mess. But none of it, none of it, felt as damning as leaving Winter in that damn resort without even a word.