Page 100 of Choosing You

“So your parents never told you that you couldn’t date someone?”

Harper gives me this look like she’s finally making sense of my odd line of questioning. “Wait a minute. Are you saying that Garret can’t date you because of his family? Is that what this is about?”

I don’t answer her.

“Is his family the reason you guys can’t be together?” She scoots up next to me and waits for me to respond.

“Yes.” As soon as I say it I feel a sense of relief. I’ve been dying to talk to someone about this but wasn’t sure if I should. And like I said, I don’t usually share that much with Harper.

“Why are you guys listening to them? You’re both 19. You’re adults. Do whatever the hell you want.”

“I know, but Garret’s dad threatens to take stuff away from him.”

“Like what? Money? Who cares? What does he need money for? He’s in college. Everything’s paid for.”

“They could take his car away.”

“Seriously? Who are these people?” She laughs. “If that happens then Garret can take the bus. I’m sure he’s never even been on a bus. It’ll be good for him.” She nudges my arm to get me to look at her. “I know you guys have only been dating, or whatever it is you two are doing, for a few months, but Garret is like totally and completely in love with you. It’s written all over his face. And I think that at least part of you loves him, too. You can’t let his family get in the way of that.”

Hearing her say Garret loves me makes me smile for a brief second. Then I come to my senses, knowing it isn’t true. He doesn’t feel that way about me. It’s too soon. Plus he knows my darkest secrets and nobody would love someone with those secrets.

“Garret doesn’t love me. We’re just friends.”

“Oh my God, Jade. Have you seen the way he looks at you? I wish a guy would look atmethat way.”

“He’s dating Ava. Haven’t you heard? They’re a couple now.”

“Ava? She’s dating that guy, Kenton. They were at the party together last night hanging all over each other.”

“Yeah, well, she’s supposed to be dating Garret.”

“So that’s who his parents picked for him? Is that what you’re saying?”

“Yes. She’s the girl of the month. Or maybe they’ll date for the rest of the year.”

“Garret doesn’t even like her, does he? He always looks annoyed when I see Ava talking to him at parties.”

“He can’t stand her. She went to his high school and he didn’t like her then either.”

“Then forget about it. Don’t worry about her.”

“The two of them have to go to social functions together. They have to be seen together. Photographed together.”

“So they go to a few charity events. That doesn’t mean you and Garret can’t still date.”

“You don’t understand. His dad banned Garret from seeing me. As in we can’t even be friends.”

“That’s crazy! He can’t do that.”

“He can. And he just did.”

I get up and go over to my desk. Just thinking about it is causing a build-up of nervous energy. I take out a pen and begin doodling in my English notebook.

“What are you talking about?”

“Garret’s dad was just upstairs. He told me to get out and basically never come back. I’m not supposed to see Garret ever again.”

Saying it to her, I feel like a huge weight has been lifted from my chest. I didn’t realize how much I needed to tell someone this. And I could never tell Frank or Ryan. They already don’t like Garret. And even though this wasn’t his fault, they would blame him for hurting me again.

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