Page 146 of I Shouldn't Feel This Way

“Yes!” I nodded with a beaming smile.

“I think I’d be the next Vanilla Ice.” He laughed.

“JB’s the new Vanilla Ice, only in resemblance of his newest hair style.”

“Please tell me you’re not a die-hard fan.”

“I think he’s kind of cute. His music has improved, and he’s undeniably talented, but I’ve never even gone to a concert. I think it’s safe to say that I’m not aBelieber.”

“Are you a One-Directioner?”

“I’m not really into boy bands, Noah.”

I was just intohim.

“Not to discredit those guys, but I don’t listen to pop music. Vanessa on the other hand …”

We both laughed.

“Hey, can you open the glove compartment?” he asked. “I’ve got some Tic Tacs in there.”

“Yeah, sure.”

Uh oh, is this a sign?What does the average person normally do before they engage in a passionate make out session?

Freshen their breath,my logic answered.

I held the tiny container over his mouth and tapped it lightly so that a couple of green mints fell in.

“Thanks.”

“No problem.” I took a few myself.

This probably wasn’t the best time to bring up the next subject, but he was quiet, and I couldn’t think of anything else to talk about.

“Noah …”

“Mhm?” He sounded so relaxed.

“Can you please tell me why you won’t let me see Uncle Evan?”

“I told you, Aria.” He clenched his jaw. “He’s dangerous. I don’t trust him.”

“Why is he dangerous, though?”

Noah let out an exasperated sigh and looked at me. “Evan’s got a history of driving under the influence and doing drugs. He’s also set fire to objects and property before. The list goes on. I don’t want him around you.”

“But that was all in his past, right?”

He stayed silent, and then gave a reluctant nod.

“What if you let me have supervised visits with him?”

“You mean you want me tagging along? No way.” He shook his head adamantly. “I can’t stand him. I’m not looking to repair my relationship with Evan. I’m sorry I never mentioned him, but I had my reasons.”

“How would you feel if I refused to letyouin my life when you came looking for me? It would have killed you if I told you I hated you and passed judgment based on the fact that you were never there for me as a child.”

“That’s not the same—please don’t compare the situations.”

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