QUOTE : swear I didn’t know Jay was the guy from junior high. If I had, I’d never have brought him here.” He turned to his car. “Let me take him home. Then I’ll come back, and we can talk about us. I’m not like Jason. Give me a chance, Violet, please.” My lower lip trembled. I felt like a deflated balloon. Overstretched. Worn out. A part of me knew that what Wes said was true. He wasn’t like Jason. But how could I look at him and not see the face of my tormenter? And how could I ever stop wondering if I was just another notch on his belt? I shook my head. Jason’s bullying had shattered my spirit, but being hurt by Wesley would destroy me. Better to guard my heart against that than let my walls down. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to date. Maybe you’re not like Jason, but you go through girls so quickly, and I couldn’t cope with having my heart broken.” Wes’s expression hardened. “Fine, if that’s what you want. But I can’t say that your decision doesn’t hurt. Yes, I have a past. But you’re the one who’s refusing to give us a chance at a future.” He turned away and stalked over to his car, never once looking back. As I watched him drive away, I told myself I’d done the right thing. Then why did it feel like I’d lost something precious?