The Perfect Spiral (by Ashley Constantine) novel Chapter 5

“Hey man! What’s up?”

“We’re just hanging out.”

“Yeah, I stayed over last night.”

“Yeah, in her bed. Knox, chill, nothing happened.”

Wes sighed heavily, running his fingers through his hair. “Yeah, I know, she just needed someone. Relax, dude!”

“Andy… was… busy. Seriously, Knox, you need to chill. It wasn’t like that.”

The tension in Wes’s voice sharpened until it snapped. “You’re so damn entitled, Knox,” he barked. “Newsflash—the whole world doesn’t revolve around you.”

There was a pause, the sound of Knox saying something on the other end, but Wes didn’t wait. He ended the call then tossed the phone onto the bed like it had burned him.

He stood there for a second, breathing hard, then sat down heavily on the edge of the mattress, elbows on his knees, fists clenched. His whole body radiated heat and frustration, jaw tight, eyes dark. Yeah, he was pissed—and I had no idea if it was more about Knox… or me.

Wes sat down beside me, his shoulder brushing mine, and took my hand gently in his. “I’m sorry about how Knox talked to you,” he said.

I gave a half-hearted shrug, trying to play it off. “It’s not a big deal.”

“He’s always been like that. Even before the fame. Always thought he was the center of the universe. I love the guy, but sometimes? Sometimes I really fucking hate him.”

“I know EXACTLY what you mean,” I said, before correcting, “I mean, I don’t LOVE him. I like him sometimes, but usually hate him.”

Wes glanced at the time and sighed. “I should go,” he said, like he didn’t really want to. He stood slowly, hesitating for a moment before leaning in. His hand cupped my jaw as he kissed me—soft and warm, the kind of kiss that lingered. “I’ll see you soon,” he murmured, giving me one last look before heading for the door.

We were acting like such a couple. I wasn’t ready for that. I didn’t want to dive back into a relationship.

As the door closed behind him, I heard a soft giggle. Turning, I found Andy standing there, arms folded, a teasing smile on her face. “You moved on fast…”

I rolled my eyes at her and stomped towards the living room, adding a touch of drama to lighten the mood. “You know it’s not like that. I used to have the biggest crush on Wes in high school. It was so weird to kiss him, but he’s a really good kisser—like, really good! Plus, it was just fun. He’s on the same page, Andy, it’s all good. But when we go to Savannah, you cannot mention this to my brothers. They will castrate him, and nobody wants that.”

“I think he’s always had a thing for you. You’re just oblivious. But I’m glad you’re getting over Drew. To be honest, you deserve much better, even if it is a fling. Enjoy being single!”

I’m single.

My heart began to sting at the thought that I didn’t have Drew anymore, even if he was a total cheating dick.

Tears began to trickle down my cheeks, and I closed my eyes, allowing myself to cry. I needed this. I felt worthless. What could I have done to stop him from cheating? What did I do wrong?

Was I bad in bed? Was I not there for him enough? What was wrong with me? Why did he do this to me?

A rush of emotions overwhelmed me as I began to cry harder. I flipped onto my stomach, letting the pillow muffle my sobs.

Andy came in and pulled me into a tight hug without saying a word.

“It’s going to be okay,” she whispered, her hand rubbing slow circles on my back. “You don’t have to hold it in, not with me.”

I sighed and wrapped my own arms around her, returning the comforting hug. She’s been through thick and thin with me.

The next few days passed in a blur. I kept myself busy—packing, pretending to be excited about the trip, and dodging reality every time my phone lit up. I ignored Wes’s texts and calls, partly because I didn’t know what to say… but mostly because I knew if my brothers found out, it would turn into a full-blown disaster, which I did not need when I was about to be home for Thanksgiving.