Page 64 of Choosing You

“Nope. So start talking.”

He runs a few steps until he’s beside me. “There’s rules, Jade. My family and every family like mine has these unspoken rules and if you don’t follow them, they become spoken rules. If it gets to that point where they have to be said, then you’re in deep shit.”

“You’re not making sense, Garret.”

“When my dad showed up here a few weeks ago, he was here to remind me of the rules. Well, one rule in particular.” He hesitates like he doesn’t want to say it but then he does. “The rule that says I’m not allowed to have anything to do with you.”

“And why is that? Because I’m poor? From a bad home? The rich can’t associate with people like me?”

He’s silent.

“Like I didn’t know that already? I’m not stupid, Garret. I know how the world works. It’s not like I was expecting you to put a ring on my finger and take me to live in your mansion. We were just friends. That’s it.”

“I know. But I told you. My dad picks my friends. Or at least he has to approve of them. And he doesn’t approve of you.”

“Big surprise there.” I keep up my brisk pace. The night is chilly enough that I can see my breath. My bare arms are covered in goosebumps. “How did he even know about us?”

“Ava and Blake told him. Or they told their parents and word got back to my dad. I don’t know exactly, but I know they were involved.” He unzips his sweatshirt and takes it off. “Here.” I stop briefly to let him put it around me, then continue walking across the open quad.

“Why do you listen to your dad anyway? You’re 18, right?”

“I’m 19. My birthday was in August. And I don’t know why I listen to him. I don’t respect him or the things he does. I don’t even like him.”

“He’s your dad. You must like him a little.” The statement sounds ridiculous coming from someone who hated their mother, but Garret doesn’t know how I felt about my mom.

“I used to like him before my mom died. But he’s not the same person anymore. And he doesn’t like me either. If he did, he’d let me make my own decisions and he’d stop taking away everything that’s good in my life.” Garret steps in front of me, forcing me to stop. “I’m not going to listen to him. We have something here. And I won’t let my dad take this away.”

“Maybe I want it to go away. Did you even consider that?”

“Of course I have. And I understand if you want nothing to do with me.” His voice is soft, his eyes full of sadness and regret. “If that’s what you want, I’ll leave you alone. I’ll see if we can get different partners in English. I’ll never bother you again.”

I don’t know if I’m a glutton for punishment or have lost all common sense, but I don’t feel ready to cut this guy out of my life.

“Tell me what you want, Jade.” Garret takes my hand and holds it loosely in his, like he’s afraid I’ll yank it back if he holds it any tighter.

I glance away, hoping I’ll come to my senses and tell him to get lost. I focus on the shriveled up leaves on the ground, their brilliant fall color now faded. I watch as even more red and orange leaves drop from the trees above us. I wait all year for the trees to turn color and within a couple weeks, it’s over. Why does everything good have to end?

When I look back at Garret, his expression has changed. All hope is gone. He seems to assume that my long silence is an answer. He lets go of my hand and starts to walk away.

“I want pancakes on Sunday.” I blurt it out without even thinking.

He turns back slowly. “What?”

“You asked me what I want. I want pancakes on Sunday. You said it would be a tradition. I’ve never had a tradition. You started it, but then it ended and I want it back.”

A cautious smile comes across his face but he remains quiet.

“I want to see more movies from that box in your room. And maybe share another pizza.”

He takes a few steps forward. “That could be arranged.”

“But more than anything, I want a promise that you’ll never do something like this to me again. Because I won’t forgive you, Garret. This is it. I mean it.”

“I know you do.” He holds out his hand. “Friends?”

“Maybe. We’ll see how it goes.”

He puts his hand down.

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