Aftermath

Erin's POV

"You'll need a visa."

Crap!

I never thought of that. Then again, it's not something I planned on doing. This situation is very unexpected and extremely problematic. And me running to New York after being a bitch to Ashley seems ridiculous. Yet something tells me to go — to forget about the practicalities and get on a plane.

And under any other condition, the wait wouldn't be a problem. But since time is crucial, this is an annoying obstacle I can't bypass. I need a visa.

"I didn't stop to think of the logistics." And given the time frame I've had to figure it out, it's understandable. I just hope that when I see Ashley again, I am able to express myself in a way that won't offend him. But how do you explain to someone that your feelings for them are balancing on the edge between love and hate?

I bury my head in my hands a moment before I continue. "If only he was still here?"

Bianca nods in agreement. "Does the distance put you off?"

Nothing, not even distance or a visa, can detour me. The depth of this situation is far greater than even I understood. And for once, I'm a 1000% certain this is the right thing to do. Even though it will break me finically, mess with uni and make my life difficult, I must do this. "If I could get on a plane now, I'd be gone."

Bianca takes my hand and holds it between hers. "Let's organise lunch when you get back."

Luch.

She wants to have lunch with me.

"Sure, lunch would be great."

"Fabulous," she leans in and gives me a hug.

After Bianca leaves, I lock the door and lean back against it.

As unexpected as this is, I can only hope Ashley is fine. The notion of him relapsing when he's been clean for so long makes me shiver in dread.

Nonetheless, instead of expecting the worse, maybe I need put some faith in him. My heart wants to believe that he is strong enough to withstand that sort of temptation.

With everything hanging in the air, I go for a shower, thinking of another issue I need to address.

Zach.

That's one problem I could do without.

Fact is, we were never in a relationship. We kissed twice, but it's never led to anything more because I would not allow it to.

And if he thinks I am unaware of the women he hooks up with, he's mistaken.

So where does he get off spreading lies about me?

Hypocrite.

Ashley was spot on when he said Zach needs to take a hint.

Once I'm dressed and slipping into a long, grey cardigan, I'm ready to face Zach before I do anything else. And after what he did, there will be no graces to avoid hurting his feeling.

We're beyond that. He made sure of that when he spread lies about me on his socials. It wasn't only an outlet for him to vent; he did it to get at me because he was unable do it any other way.

Well, no more.

And I don't care what Mia thinks either. Her brother was wrong and I'm not tolerating his crap or hers. I'd sooner move out than deal with more problems from either one of them.