Page 8 of Hate So Deep

It’s shitty, but I don’t care. These people ruined my world and now I have to pretend it’s okay?

I don’t think so.

“Fine,” I murmur and Dad sighs, dropping his fork to the table.

“Sweetie, I’m worried about you,” he says. “After your brother…”

When the black hole that is my memory of that night tries to force its way into my head, I bite my tongue, accepting the copper tang sliding down my throat as my penance.

My brother remains in a coma in the hospital and my mom may be a hard woman to love but neither of them deserve to lose their husband and father.

The last words I said to my brother before going out were that I hated him. I’ve never regretted anything more.

“I’m fine,” I mutter, grateful when Cat breaks in to say something stupid about her teacher.

I don’t think I can do this. It’s cruel to expect me to sit here while these two act all mom and daughter-ish.

Closing my eyes, I open my mouth to say just that when a deep, dark voice that haunts my fucking dreams says from the door, “What did I miss?”

Colt’s mouth curves into a grin and Finn stands before rushing his way. Envisioning the hug that even now I know Dirk would never give me in front of these assholes, I shake my head.

Why is he here? I thought this was a family event.

Fuck.

“Dirk,” Cat squeals and I clench my teeth so hard that pain shoots up my jaw.

The only one who doesn’t jump to get his attention is Dad and I eye him sideways while he takes in the scene with a grim smile.

“Kitty cat! How’s my girl?” Dirk says and I bow my head.

When have I ever heard him speak to me with such affection? Never because despite the depths of the emotion we exchanged, we spent our time either fighting or fucking like it was the last time.

Maybe it was idiotic infatuation that pushed me toward him, but it was love that tore us apart, his love for these people and not…me.

“We’re eating dinner. Are you hungry?” Celia says and I cringe.

So, maybe he wasn’t invited? Does it matter?

Nope.

“Nah, I’m good,” Dirk says. “I’m here to carry out my best man duties.”

Cat squeals again and when she jumps up and down, clapping her hands, I shudder.

I mean, really? Fuck me.

“That’s sweet. We’re so glad you could make it back,” Celia says.

From where? Where did he go?

Since Colt and Dirk are best friends, it makes sense that he would be here for Colt and Finn’s wedding, a quiet affair, from what I understand that’s going to take place after Christmas.

“Did you figure out where you’re staying?” Celia asks and I stiffen, half turning in my seat.

Oh fuck no.

When Dirk’s dark eyes meet mine, he smirks and just like that I’m transported back in time.

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