Page 57 of You're To Blame 2

He caressed my arm. “Can we talk?”

I backed away toward the living room.

“There’s nothing to talk about.” I motioned with my hands behind dad’s back. What was Tate doing? He needed to be a little more convincing.

“Tate, I trusted you with my daughter. I just knew you would never hurt her. How could you break her heart?”

“Dad, this is between me and Tate. I have it handled. He’s leaving.”

“You know what? Good riddance. You’re high maintenance.” He rolled his eyes.

I wanted to laugh. Now he was just being lazy with our break up theatrics.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Culver, you’ll never see me again.”

Tate swung the door open and stormed out.

“That’s right. I never want to see your sorry ass again,” Dad roared, then slammed the door.

I crossed my arms over my chest. “Dad, I could break up with my boyfriend just fine.”

“You two suck at a fake break up. I had to make it look convincing.”

My hand flew over my mouth to hide the laughter. “I’m turning in.”

“What are you two up to?”

“Dad, I haven’t the foggiest idea what you are talking about.”

“Yeah, right? The last time you two really called it quits he was ready to fight me over you. Tate loves you. He wouldn’t jeopardize his future with you.”

“Dad, you can’t tell Mom. If you do...”

“She’ll tell Melissa. I’m aware. Do a better job at school pretending to be upset. Stay away from each other.”

I leaned on my tippy toes and kissed his cheek. “Will do. Thanks, Dad.”

I LAID ACROSS MY REDbedspread, staring at Tate.

“You know this shit sucks. We’re limited to FaceTime every day. I can’t even see you in the hallway because you're expelled.”

“At least we can see each other. My dad wanted to talk principal Wade out of my week long suspension. I told him don’t bother. Maybe all the chatter would have died down by the time I return to school.”

“I don’t know, babe. I think they are waiting for your return. You’ve announced on social media you’re single. Which I hate, by the way. Not sure that asshole couple will buy our break up.”

“I doubt they will either. But we have to try. This is more so for the girls bidding for your affection. I want the videos to stop. Remember when I return to school, you’ll need to invite girls to sit with you at lunch.”

He slipped his fingers through his hair. “I really don’t want to do that. All I want to do is crush those lips. How about I come over? You can let me in the back door.”

“Dad said we suck at fake break ups and we need to do a better job pretending to hate each other.”

“You’d think we’d be better at faking to hate each other seeing as though we did.”

“It’s hard to fake hate someone you love.”

“You’re right. I need to hold you.”

“Tate, it’s Friday night. I’m sure there’s a party you are supposed to attend.”

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