Page 83 of Don't Let Me Go (Don't Let Me 2)

“Summer didn’t want me anymore,” Mack mutters, more resigned than hurt. Like he’s learned to accept the truth, no matter how painful it is to admit out loud. “And maybe it’s my fault. Maybe it’s because we’d been together since we were kids and she wanted a chance to be free of relationships in general. But just because I had a shitty experience doesn’t mean every relationship is doomed to fail.”

I hang my head and squeeze the bridge of my nose, letting the pressure ground me so I don’t spew any more bullshit I’ll regret. “I’m not saying it is. I’m just saying––”

“You don’t want to be rejected by the one girl you’ve always wanted,” he clarifies. “Which is understandable. I still can’t figure out why Blake has worshipped your ass since kindergarten. She’s way out of your league. ”

I scoff, biting back my chuckle. But I don’t deny it. We both know it’s the truth.

“So, why doesn’t she want it? A relationship?” Mack pushes.

“I dunno?” I answer. When we were in the locker room, I could still feel the pull. The attraction. Like magnets pulling us together, winding their way between us like it’s always been. She wanted me to kiss her. I could tell. Until she flipped, pushing me away.

“Want my two cents?” he asks.

Exhausted, I look at him and rub my hand over my face. “If I say no, will you still give it?”

He snorts. “Probably.”

With a wave of my hand, I say, “Floor’s all yours.”

He tosses a pillow from the couch against my chest. “I think she knows you don’t do relationships, so she’s thrown herself into the same category as every other girl you’ve been with.”

“But she isn’t like every other girl.”

“I know it. And you know it. The question is…does she?”

Putting my hat back on, I set the pillow under my arms and rest them against it, fighting every instinct inside of me to admit the truth out loud as I stare at the fireplace in front of us. “I dunno.”

“Well, I think it’s time you figure it out.”

“And if I fuck it up again?” I ask.

He hesitates, resting his elbows on his knees and rubbing his hands together as if he’s considering my question. A dry laugh escapes him. “Look at it this way. At least you didn’t get your girlfriend pregnant in high school, then offer to marry her, settling for a job instead of your dream career and letting her take half your winnings from the lottery, leaving you high and dry.”

“Way to set the bar real high, Mack,” I return.

“At least the mess was good for something.”

He turns on a football game, and we shoot the shit for a couple more hours when my phone lights up with another message. This time, it’s from Blake.

Blake: If I say no, will you show up anyway?

I smirk and type my response.

Me: I think we both know the answer to that.

Blake: Aaaand I guess I’ll see you tonight.

Me: Looking forward to it.

25

BLAKELY

“Welp,” I say, lifting my hands from my sides. The girls insisted on giving me a once-over before I walk out of the house. They’re all lounging in the family room, watching the bachelorette passing out roses on the TV screen. When they see me, Mia mutes the show and checks me out.

“That’s what you’re wearing?” she asks with a frown.

I look down at my hoodie and jeans. “Uh, yes?”

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