Shattered Ties(74)

I wasn’t sure how long I’d slept, but I woke up to someone tossing my ass out of bed.

“What the f*ck?” I groaned.

“Get up, *,” Andy said.

“What the hell is your problem?” I asked. Apparently, today was shit-on Jesse day.

“Ally just came home, crying her eyes out. I can’t believe you would do that to her!”

“Do what?” Now, I really was confused.

“Sleep with her, and then kick her out. I thought you were better than that. We’ve been best friends for years, and she’s my sister!”

“Whoa, wait a minute. I never slept with Ally, I swear.”

“Well, that’s not what she’s saying, and I’m taking her word over yours. Stay the f*ck away from us, or I’ll kick your ass. I mean it.”

“Andy, I swear, I didn’t!”

“Whatever. Just stay away from us.”

He turned and stormed out of my room. Jesus, could anything else go wrong today? I’d lost Emma, Ally, and Andy in the span of a few hours.

“Jesse, why are you on the floor?” my mom asked from the doorway.

I looked up to see her staring at me with concern. “It doesn’t matter. Is your offer to go with you still open?”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “Of course it is, honey. What happened to make you change your mind?”

I ignored her question. “I can have all of my stuff packed by morning.”

Yeah, I know I’m running, but I don’t care. Obviously, my word is shit to everyone around here, so what does it matter if I’m here or on the other side of the country? I’m done with all of it, all of them.

I spent the rest of the day and the night packing.

When Mark pulled up the next morning with the U-Haul, I didn’t hesitate to load my stuff first. After we had everything loaded and my mom’s car attached to the back of the U-Haul, I hopped into my Jeep, and I didn’t look back as I followed them onto the interstate and away from everything and everyone I loved.





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Life sucks. It had taken me a while to realize that, but it finally hit me like a ton of bricks. The only positive is that you learn from your experiences, and you grow.

Two years ago, I’d certainly grown up when I walked in on the boy I thought I loved in bed with one of his best friends. I’d learned to let him go as time passed—or at least I thought I had.

Now, I wasn’t so sure. There are people who pass through your life who forever change you and everything you thought you knew about yourself and the world. Jesse was one of them.

It had been two years since I left him standing in his driveway, but I’d never been able to let him go completely.

I’d debated this decision for months. I’d told myself over and over that it was stupid and pointless, but I always knew that I would end up here. I knew that Jesse had been a part of my old life, my old self, but I couldn’t get my heart to accept that little fact.

I gripped the steering wheel tightly as I drove down I-79 from the Pittsburgh airport to my new school. Up ahead, I saw the sign welcoming me to my new home. It was ridiculous to be nervous at the sight of a simple sign.

The chances of him ending up at the same school as me were slim to none.

Then, why am I here?

I took a deep breath as I glanced up at the sign just before I drove past it.

Welcome to West Virginia.





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I don’t even know where to begin. There are so many people who made this book possible.

First, I want to thank my fans for standing behind me. You guys are incredible, and I feel blessed to have every single one of you.

To my friends: Katelynn, Sophie, Amber, Tijan, Tabatha, Lesley, Heidi, and so many more—You’ve listened to my rants, helped me when I was struggling, and made me laugh when I wanted to cry. I love every single one of you.

To my husband—You’ve stuck by me through all the craziness that began with Torn. None of this would be possible without you.

To my parents—You’ve helped me and listened to my endless rants. You’ve helped me to grow as a person over the years, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without your guidance. I love you so much.

To my son—Your smile is what gets me through the tough days. I cherish every day that I have with you.





K.A. Robinson is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of The Torn Series. She lives in a small town in West Virginia with her husband and son.

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Blog: authorkarobinson.blogspot.com