Page 71 of Look My Way
“We should be there just in time, then.” His gaze is back on the road. “What’s she making?”
“Not tuna.” I give him a pointed stare. “She hates the stuff too.”
Chuckling, his fingers squeeze around mine. “That’s good to know. At least I know we’ll have one thing in common.” He shoots me a look, sunglasses sliding a little down his nose, and I laugh, straightening out my legs.
“She fell asleep during the last half ofThe Lake Housetoo.”
“Hey now . . . I had a very good excuse for that at least. Someone wore me out during the first half.” He gives me a side glance, lips pressing into a grin.
“Yeah, yeah. Well, it’s all your fault for wanting to have naked movie time. You’ve seen how hot you are.”
He scoffs. “Not nearly as hot as you.” His hand briefly lifts away from mine to pinch my cheek, and I nudge my elbow into his arm. My phone goes off again and I groan when Daniel’s name shows up.
“Why don’t you block him?” Zavier gives a quick glance at the screen.
“Because I still need to end things.”
“Or you can let him figure it all out on his own by continuing to ignore him. When we get back, you can even hire someone to change your locks.”
“Yeah, I could.” Rubbing between my brows, I read over his last message, not bothering with the ones before.
Daniel:Are you mad at me, baby? If so, talk to me about it. Let me know how I can make it right. We’re supposed to take a trip to see your family, remember? Don’t you still want to do that?
My stomach churns. Why am I feeling guilty? He doesn’t deserve it. He doesn’t deserve any kind of sympathy or kindness. He’s done so many fucked-up things, and here I am still feeling in the wrong.
“What’s wrong?” Zavier’s hand moves to my thigh, rubbing his palm in gentle circles.
“Nothing . . . I—”
“Is he making you feel like you did something wrong? Because you didn’t.” He pulls over to the side of the road and as soon as the car stops, he pulls my face closer to his. “It’s not you who’s the problem, okay? It’s all him. Don’t let him get to you. His words mean nothing.”
I once thought they meant everything, but Zavier’s right. They mean nothing. He’s nothing. I should never have let things between us get this far. I was vulnerable and he was drawn to me like a moth to a flame.
“I know,” I finally say. “I . . . I don’t know why I let him get to me.”
“He’s conditioned you, sweetheart. It’s going to take a while to fully heal from the damage he’s caused. If you need me to take you back home—”
“No.” My eyes snap to his. “I want to see my family. I need to see them. I also don’t want to be home.”
“Okay.”
“Okay,” I parrot him, one side of my lips turning up. “Want to listen to some music?”
“Sure. Show me what you like.” The truck swerves back onto the road, tires squealing against the pavement.
And I do show him. I play various songs for the remainder of our drive, telling him which ones I like best. Some of my favorites are his too, and we’re both singing at the top of our lungs to “Lovesong” by The Cure as we arrive in front of my sister’s house.
The truck goes quiet seconds after we park, and I squeeze Zavier’s hand while also tugging on my seat belt. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous. This is my family.”
“It’s been a while, so it’s understandable.”
“Yeah,” I say, even if it’s way more than that. What if they hate me for staying away for so long? What if they feel like I’ve chosen Daniel over them? Because haven’t I, in a way?
“I’m right here. I’ll be here the whole time. They’re going to be over the moon when they see you.” He sounds so sure of himself with his comforting smile.
“You really think so?”
“Based on how happy she was to hear from you over the phone? Yes. She also wouldn’t have invited you if she didn’t want you here.” Zavier dips his head, his eyes grabbing hold of mine. “She wants you here, carino. Your family wants you here.”
