“I have bad news and worse news,” I announce.
“What the hell happened?” Whit asks.
“My parents found out. They saw me making out with Ian at the fountain.”
“Fuck,” Knox mutters, and Willa doesn’t even correct him.
“Ok, that sucks,” Ty agrees. “But we can handle this.”
“No, we can’t,” I tell him. “Because after that, Ian dumped me.”
There’s a collective gasp and I find it somewhat gratifying that they’re just as shocked as I was.
“I’ve ruined everything,” I say, pacing. “My parents aren’t speaking to me. What’s gonna happen to this place? They own it. There’s no way they’re letting me stay here next year, not without agreeing to some conversion therapy—”
“Don’t finish that sentence. And don’t worry about The Chapel. Fuck them. We can find another place to live. We just need us—our family—wherever the hell that is,” Ty tells me.
Phoebe and Lucy agree, and I’m grateful to have such understanding friends, but that doesn’t change the fact that Ian’s gone just when I need him most.
Flopping onto the couch, I lean my head back and look up at the ceiling. “It’s not supposed to end like this.”
Knox turns toward me. “It’s not ending. The scenery is just gonna change. But Ty’s right. Fuck that.”
Whit’s been quiet, but he takes the seat next to me, drawing my attention. “I’ll fucking kill him. Ian broke your heart, so he’s on my shit list.”
Knox says, “I’ll help. Pigs are the key to getting away with murder. Do we know anyone with pigs?”
“Stop,” I say. “You’re not killing anyone. And neither are my sisters.”
“That’s it,” Knox stands, smiling for the first time since I walked in. “You know Emersyn has pig farm connections.”
“Dude, she’s a freshman in high school,” Ty reminds him, always the voice of reason.
But that doesn’t deter Knox. “And she’s probably also a high-ranking member of a motorcycle gang. I’d put nothing past that girl. She’s got crazy eyes. No disrespect. Honestly, she’s my favorite Zabek. Again, no disrespect.”
I can’t help it. I laugh. My day has been a disaster of epic proportions, but still, I laugh. “None taken. But seriously. Keep this quiet, ok? I just need…time.”
“Maybe that’s all Ian needs too,” Ty reasons. “Look, today was a lot. He reacted badly. It happens. I’d bet anything that his ass is going to be ringing that doorbell in a couple hours, begging forgiveness.
* * *
It was a nice thought,but it never happened. The doorbell never rang. Ian never called. I sent a text which is apparently a code violation, but he hasn’t responded, so I’m trying again.
Booker: Tell me today was a terrible dream. Tell me it’s not ending like this.
Those three little dots appear, and my heart stutters. Then I read his message and my heart breaks.
Ian: I’m sorry.
* * *
Ian
Once again, I’m drinking on my couch with Mel.
“You get that you’re the asshole here, right?” she asks for the 47th time today.
“Well aware of that,” I answer, taking another drink. “But it’s for the best. I could be going to freaking California in the fall. Long distance never works.”
