Page 33 of Don't Love Me
I blinked, coming back to the conversation at the table. “I’m sorry. I must have zoned out.”
“I was curious when you would be turning eighteen. This is a big birthday for you, correct? You are officially an adult.” He smiled smoothly and I liked him even less.
“In a few months, yes,” I answered vaguely. The less information Evan knew about me, the better. “I hate to excuse myself before dessert, but I do have a very important test tomorrow I must study for.”
“Of course. Grades are very important,” Evan said.
My father didn’t look happy about me leaving, but I didn’t care. Normally, I would clear my own plate and silverware so George wouldn’t have to bother, but I had this need to go to my room and lock the door.
I was being ridiculous. I knew that. Evan had been nothing but polite the entire evening and was simply asking about an upcoming important birthday. There was nothing strange about him. I’d just gotten a gut sense of wrongness.
Maybe I was anxious in general. Because while I’d wanted to prove a point to Marc, I was suffering my own consequences. I felt lost and unmoored with no connection to anyone. The more my father continued to behave erratically, the more I felt that way.
Walking over to my desk, I picked up my phone and saw an indicator I had a text.
The second I opened the app and saw Marc’s name, it was like this incredible wave of relief washed over me. He was still out there. He still cared. He couldn’t let me go any more than I could let him go.
Marc:WHAT.THE.FUCK?
Me:Sorry? I’m not sure I understand.
I checked and he’d sent the text only a few minutes ago. Clapping my hands, I watched the dots appear. It meant he was immediately on the other side of the phone. That feeling of connection thrilled me.
Marc:I got a text from some dude asking my permission to take you to Homecoming next month.
Wow. Jeffery was being pretty careful. I knew he liked me, but I didn’t think he’d take it that far. Then again, most people at school knew Marc sort of still loomed large over me. Jeffery was probably trying a pre-emptive approach so as not to earn the wrath of Marc Campbell.
Me:His name is Jeff. He’s a senior. He’s been flirting with me, but I didn’t realize he was planning that far ahead.
Marc:Flirting or harassing?
Me:Flirting. Ever since you shut Chris down, no one has been giving me a hard time.
Marc:So you want to go to this dance with him?
Me:Not really. But since you’re fucking all the hot girls on campus, I figured I should make some effort to lose my virginity.
I smiled as I typed the words, knowing his jaw was doing that flexing thing right now.
Marc:Nice trick. It’s not going to work. I’m not going to tell you not to fuck him.
Me:You sort of just did. What did you tell him?
Marc:The usual. He hurts you. I kill him.
Me:You say the sweetest things…
Marc:Stop messing around, Ash. I don’t give a fuck who you go to the dance with, as long as it’s not an asshole who would hurt you.
Me:Right. Because you’re the only asshole who gets to hurt me. Understood.
Marc:Look, maybe I was harsh last month. I just want you to understand where I’m coming from.
Me:I know where you’re coming from because I’ve been right there beside you the whole time. Admit it, you missed my texts a little bit.
Marc:I admit nothing.
Me:A little bit…
