Page 195 of We Can't Be Friends

“Morning, Dad. Chloe forgot her purse last night.”

“It’s in the kitchen.” I follow, walking next to him. “I like her a lot.”

“Mom know that?”

“Yes. Deep down, she’s happy for you.”

“Is she?” He gives me a look. “She has a funny way of showing it.”

We stop in the kitchen.

“Callum, she is. We both are.”

“Stop making excuses for her. I have. She isn’t—”

“I’m not what?” Mom’s Australian accent—she never lost it—echoes behind me.

Turning to lean against the counter, I take in my mom.

Light brown hair in cascades of curls that I know she got up early this morning to do. High cheekbones that used to have smile lines before Botox. Hazel eyes and a skinny nose that mirrors my siblings. Petite, hourglass figure, that she slaved over by time spent on a stair-stepper and counting calories.

I remember being five and thinking she was the most beautiful woman in the world. And she is beautiful, but now I see how much of a facade that beauty is.

Despite everything, I believe she’s a good person. That underneath the layers of clothing and insanely high expectations is the person my dad fell in love with. He wouldn’t be with her if it weren’t true.

Despite everything, I do love her. I just need to know why she could never love me.

Dad steps in. “Callum came to pick up Chloe’s purse. I was telling him that we like her.”

She nods. “I do. Not a fan of the tattoo comment or them in general, but Chloe loves you, and that is all that matters.”

“Did you rehearse that?” I close my eyes. Then without thinking, I blurt, “Why don’t you love me?”

Mom opens her mouth.

“Sienna, don’t,” Dad warns.

“It’s about time he knows the truth, Tripp.”

“Know what?” My blue eyes bounce between them.

“I never could love you because you aren’t mine.” Her lips purse. My dad covers his face. “Your dad had an affair, and while you are a Sullivan, I’m not your mother.”

56

CHLOE

Everyone is waiting for Liam and Emerson at the pub we reserved.

Beatrix, Audrey, Maya, and I have been here for an hour or so setting up decorations and configuring food. George showed up after dropping off Sofia with his aunt, who is watching her for the day.

Callum finally arrived after retrieving my purse from his parents’ house. I expected some sort of reserved demeanor after any backlash from last night, but not this.

His shoulders are tense, mentally and physically withdrawn.

Everyone is simmering with excitement except for him. He’s withdrawn and sulking.

My attention is drawn away from him with a video call from Emerson.

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