“Because I can’t get through a party without getting drunk!”
“Oh, please. Are you actually trying to tell me you’re not having fun?Me? That’s bullshit.” When I jump from the bed, he grabs my arm. “What is this really about?”
I growl, “I’m telling you what it’s about.”
“No, you’re telling me a bunch of bullshit about reading books and hating beer.”
“That’s what it’s about!” I yank my arm free and stagger back. “Believe it or not, my whole life isn’t O-Chi. I have other friends and other things I like to do.”
Zander’s on his feet, stalking toward me. “Other friends, huh? You mean like that guy who was trying to get in your pants on Halloween?!”
I stand firm as he approaches me, my hands fisted and my eyes shooting fire. “Yes.”
“So you’re still hanging out with him? Even after I told you not to.”
“Yes.”
“Are you fucking him?”
“No!” Of course, Zander would think I don’t want to be Sweetheart because I’m screwing some other guy. Not because I have a mind of my own. “We’re friends.”
“Friends, huh? So what does he do for you, thisfriend?”
“That’s none of your business.”
Zander’s face is red and pinched as he shouts, “You’re my fucking girlfriend. Itismy business!”
“You’re right, I’m your girlfriend. Which means you should trust me, and care about me, and give a fuck about who I really am!” I struggle for breath. I’ve sobered up, but all around me the room is spinning. “The only reason you want me to be Sweetheart is so that everyone will know you own me. You might as well just brand your letters on my ass!”
“Own you?” he scoffs. “Seriously?”
“Yes, seriously. You treat me like a…a thing, not a person!”
“That’s ridiculous. I love you.” It’s obvious he’s trying to calm himself down. He’s lost control of this fight. Of me. “All this because I want you to be Sweetheart?”
I hold back a scream of frustration. I have to get out of here. While I fumble for the doorknob, I look at the man I’ve given so much of myself to. At those beautiful blue eyes blazing with anger and confusion. He’s never going to understand.
“Babe, come on.” He reaches for me, but I side-step him.
“I need to go home.”
“Okay. Okay.” He holds up his hands like he’s soothing a rabid animal. “If that’s what you want to do, we’ll talk about it tomorrow.”
I shake my head as tears clog my throat. How can my heart pound so hard when it’s breaking?
“What?” His eyes widen in horror. “Are you…are you breaking up with me?”
I choke out a “Yes” and fling myself out the door.
He shouts my name and runs down the stairs after me. “What the fuck?! Betts!”
I break the threshold of the living room to find everyone motionless and staring. Gawking. Zander stumbles in after me. “I’m not letting you do this!”
Lettingme? Fuming, I snatch my things off the coat rack and throw open the front door. He calls for me one more time but doesn’t come after me. Liv does.
She struggles to keep up with my long, angry strides.
I stop and turn to her. “It’s okay, I’m fine. You don’t have to come with me.”
