Lynn's POV
The endearment breaks something loose inside me, and I sob harder against his shoulder, breathing in his scent like it's the only thing keeping me anchored to reality.
"I'm sorry," I hiccup against his skin. "I know this is—I shouldn't—"
"Stop." His voice is rough with emotion. "You never have to apologize for needing help. Never."
He kicks his door closed and guides me to his couch, settling beside me with careful gentleness. His hands frame my face, thumbs wiping away tears with devastating tenderness.
"Tell me what happened."
Through broken sobs, I manage to explain the phone call—Mom's words, her casual cruelty, the systematic destruction of every scrap of self-worth I'd managed to rebuild.
"She's right," I whisper when I'm done. "I am jealous and bitter and unloveabl
