Page 93 of My Debacle with De Lorenzo

The way Peter’s jaw clenches shows he’s not happy with Dylan being with me, but he accepts the decision, regardless. “Sure thing, Dyl.”

They walk away, leaving Tommy, Dylan, and I standing there in awkward silence, but then Dylan flips the switch and smiles. “How you doin’, Tom?”

“A little scared. Remind me to never touch her boobs in front of you.”

“You’re still touching her boobs?”

“Only when they’re unruly and hanging all over the place.”

Dylan gives a small chuckle and considering what just happened, I’m a little surprised at his response. I don’t know what kind of understanding he has with Tommy, but I’m glad he has it.

“Listen, I’m gonna head home.” His eyes shift to me. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He plucks a quick kiss on my forehead, and I watch him walk toward the parking lot at the back of the school before I get into the car.

“What are you doing?” Tommy asks as I strap on my seatbelt. “Get out.”

“Why?”

“Izzy, did you see the state he’s in? Get out and go...do something about that.”

“Like what? Tom, do you realize I haven’t spoken to him since last Friday? He doesn’t want to be around me. He doesn’t want to tell me what’s wrong. What makes you think I’m the person he wants to be with right now?”

“Was he here this morning?”

“No.”

“But he’s here now?”

“Yes.”

“Who the hell do you think he’s here to see?” He unclips my seatbelt, then leans over me to open the passenger door. “Get out!”

I almost stumble as he shoves me out. “What about work?”

“I’ll cover for you. Go.”

He drives off before I get a chance to reconsider. I race around the building and spot his car on the other side of the parking lot. My steps slow as I get closer because I’m not sure how to approach him. I find him in the driver’s seat, his hands clasped over the steering wheel, with his forehead pressed against his knuckles. I knock on the window, and it startles him. His reddened eyes meet mine before he quickly looks away. He takes a moment to collect himself, then opens the door.

“Dylan, are?”

I’m silenced when he pulls me into his arms. Gripping me to his chest, he nuzzles his face into the side of my neck. I feel his uneven breaths on my skin and his body trembles slightly.

“I shouldn’t have come today,” he murmurs. “But I just...I missed you...and I wanted to see you.”

I hold him tighter, trying to soothe him. “Please tell me what’s wrong.”

“Come home with me. Don’t ask questions. Just come home with me...please.”

It’s the distraught expression on his face that makes me agree to his request. I nod, then hop into the car without saying a word. He’s silent the whole drive there. He leads me inside his house, and as we get to the top of the stairs, he places his finger on his lips as a signal for me to be quiet.

“My mom’s home.”

“Shouldn’t I say hello?” I whisper.

“No.”

I notice aDo Not Disturbsign on his parent’s bedroom door and he hurries over to close his sister’s door before I walk up the last step. The only thing I catch is a broken lampshade on the floor before he clicks it shut. I walk with him down the corridor and he flips over the same sign on his door to showDo Not Disturb.

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