Page 90 of Without Judgment

He cursed under his breath. “I shouldn’t have called you to come here. I’m sorry.”

A punch to the gut would’ve felt better. “I see. I guess I’ll be going, then.”

At least I was now dressed. Quickly, I put my hair back and gathered my things. I was completely disappointed by his attitude. I certainly wasn’t about to tell him that Austin was not only one of three choices, it was the front runner. It didn’t have my big brother there being overprotective, and it was more than a college town. I wanted a fresh start in a hip city, and Austin fit the bill. Yes, I was aware Mason lived there, but he certainly was not a factor.

I’d finished packing my bag, unplugged my phone, and was ready to leave.

“Wait.” He tugged on my arm. “At least eat your breakfast.”

I let out a humorless laugh. “I don’t think so.”

“Avery, I’m so—”

I held up my hand, wrenching my arm out of his grasp. “No. You don’t get to say that to me. After all the ‘I’m sorry’s I’ve heard over the last few weeks, yours by far are the worst. I was there for you yesterday because I care for you.”

Panic. Pure panic in his expression. As if I was proposing marriage instead of simply admitting to feelings.

“And before you go freaking out about that word care, let me tell you it’s a far cry from wanting a relationship or wanting to base my decisions on you. I’m looking forward to a new beginning. No boyfriend, no relationship to influence my decisions. But that doesn’t mean I can’t care about you or what you were going through yesterday or last night. Yet you go and cheapen it as being a mistake to have called me. Do you have any idea much that hurts? How much it makes me feel used? I thought— God, I just thought—”

His voice was soft. “You thought what?”

Why not? Why not tell him? “I thought maybe you cared for me, too. That you at least could be appreciative I dropped everything to be here for you. And no condom— Are you really saying it was a mistake when it was a conscious decision we both made to take it there?”

He opened his mouth to speak, but I realized I didn’t want to hear it.

“You know what? Don’t answer that. It’s clear you’re pushing me away just like you do everyone else who attempts to care about you. But rest assured: whatever decision I do end up making about where I move or what school I go to won’t be any of your business.” Tears were now making their way down my face at a rapid pace.

“Let me drive you to the airport.”

That was insult to injury. Did he want assurance I was leaving? “I’m fine taking a cab.”

He cursed. “I hate when you use the word ‘fine.’”

“Then maybe you should’ve inspired something better. Do us both a favor and don’t call me again. Goodbye, Mason.”

With that, I walked out the door and out of his life. Just as he’d wanted.

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