“You don’t trust me. Just say that.”
“Why should I? Look what you did last night. That was fucking crazy, Pacey.”
I shrink back. That really wasn’t her fault. Ellie can be quite persuasive, even when she’s not trying to be.
“I am going to say this again, not to hurt you, but so you’ll hear me. You are not Dad.” Her tone is soft, but I have no doubtit’s like a punch to the gut anyway. I clutch my chest, feeling the pain for him.
“It’s my job to watch out for you.”
“It’s really not! I’m finally free, Penn. I no longer need the promise of pills to get me out of bed in the morning. I didn’t come back here to be treated this way. I want my life back. If you can’t handle that, then you’re right, I should leave.”
“How long has Ryan been putting his hands on you?”
I gasp, then slap a hand over my mouth even though I’m sure they can’t hear me.
It’s quiet for a long minute before Pacey responds. “I already told you, he didn’t.”
No wonder Penn was so upset.
“I want to believe you, Pace, I do, but if I find out otherwise, Iwillfucking kill him.”
The absolute calm in his voice sends a chill down my spine. I have no doubt he means that. Pacey sobs, and footsteps approach the door. I scurry to the bed and jump under the blanket.
When the door closes, I ease the cover back. Penn’s eyes are shut, his chest rising fast. When he opens his eyes, they meet mine.
“Hi,” I say carefully. I want to apologize for lying ortryingto lie about last night, but he doesn’t give me a chance.
“Hey, I have to go. Want me to take you home?” His tone is curt, telling me he’s either still upset with me about last night or the lingering fight with his sister. Probably both.
“Oh, um, I’ll have Ellie come get me.”
He nods, then walks over and kisses my head before leaving.
I heftmy reusable shopping bag on the counter and start unloading my groceries. It’s been a long week of end-of-year papers and prepping for finals for the last time. I haven’t seen Penn since I left his apartment last week after ‘girls’ night’ gone wrong. Things were tense for a couple of days, and I still haven’t gotten to fully apologize to him in person, but I plan on changing that tonight.
He’s been working as much as he can before they leave, so he’ll have money saved up while he’s gone, making our time scarce. Ellie’s been helping them with their social media and YouTube channel. There will be an official press release in two weeks announcing SummerFest and all the bands attending.
I check the clock again, making sure I have enough time. Penn is coming over soon, and I’m going to cook him a delicious chicken parm and give him ‘I’m sorry’ kisses. Hopefully, it’ll lead to more, but I’m going to start with dinner.
I’m shoving everything into my fridge when there’s a knock at my door. I pause for a moment. I’m not expecting Penn for another hour, and Ellie wouldn’t knock. My stomach sinks at the thought that it could be Chad, but when I check the peephole, I’m even more shocked to see my mother standing on the other side.
I paste on a smile and open the door. “Mom. Hi!”
She brushes past me. “Hello, darling.”
“Uh. What are you doing here?” My mother has only been in this apartment three times in the last four years. My anxiety spikes. “Everything okay?”
She looks appalled by my question. “Of course. I came to see you.”
I let out a breath, glad no one’s dead. “What a pleasant surprise. Is Daddy here too?” I look at the door as if he’d suddenly appear.
She takes a seat on the couch. “No, he had a meeting in the city, and I thought I’d tag along and visit you.”
“Oh.” I try not to sound disappointed, but her face tells me she sees right through me.
“Have you started packing yet?”
And there it is.
