“Seeing that text, it made me go momentarily crazy.” He leans down and brushes a soft kiss to the tip of my nose. “God, if you knew how much I care about you, Tatum . . .”
I swallow, reaching up to grip the arms holding my face, whispering, “I know.”
“Do you?”
I nod.
“Then you can understand why I think your friendship with Brandon has run its course, that it’s best you set it aside for the sake of our relationship.”
The words hit me like ice water.Set it aside.Like Brandon is just some hobby I’ve outgrown, not the person who’s been my constant for years.
“Ethan . . .” I start, but he presses a finger gently to my lips.
“I know it’s hard, but it’s the only way forward for us. You see how crazy him being near you makes me. I need to know that I’m your priority, that there’s nothing between you and Brandon that could threaten what we have.”
His dark eyes search mine, full of vulnerability that makes my chest ache.
This is what I wanted, isn’t it?
Ethan. This relationship. Moving schools.
It’s what I’ve been working toward.
But suddenly, it all feels too fast. Like I haven’t even had time to process it all—my relationship and all the choices I’ve made since meeting Ethan.
I swallow, my thoughts racing as I try to imagine my life without Brandon in it, and the prospect leaves a hollow ache in my chest. But isn’t that exactly the problem? I shouldn’t need him like I do.
“Okay,” I whisper, the word scraping against my throat like broken glass.
“Thank you.” Ethan’s face transforms, relief flooding his features as he pulls me into his arms, his breath hot on my hair when he says, “This is going to be so good for us, Tate. You’ll see.”
Chapter 16
TATUM
It’s only been a week since I spent the night at Ethan’s parents’ house and promised to cut ties with Brandon.
Seven days and already, I’m desperate to cave.
Brandon has called and texted at least a dozen times since last Wednesday. When I’m not at class, I do everything in my power to ensure I don’t run into him on campus. I avoid all our usual haunts, preferring to grab a coffee and meal when I know he’s in practice or classes. I’ve even gone as far as studying in the library in the evenings so that when he comes looking for me in my dorm room, I’m gone.
And hedidcome searching.
My phone rings for the third time this morning, and when I glance down to find Brandon’s name flashing across the screen, I’m not even surprised. His daily phone calls and texts are becoming so predictable, I know when to expect them.
I hit the Silent button and take a deep breath. Ignoring him kills me. Each time I see a text or a missed call, a little piece of me dies inside. But that’s exactly the problem, isn’t it? Ethan’s right. My friendship with Brandon isn’t normal. I shouldn’t need to be around him this much. I crave his company and the sound of his voice like an addict craves their next fix, and that realization terrifies me more than the silence ever could, because I have no idea what it means. All I know is I can’t continue like this. Not when I’m transferring to Michigan State next semester. Not when I have plans for a future with Ethan.
I did the right thing by putting the brakes on our friendship; I know that. I’m being a good girlfriend?loyal and committed, devoted.
But it’s killing you.
I grunt at the thought.
I know I need to talk to him and explain why I’m ghosting him, but I’ve yet to find the courage. Call me a coward, but I’m not sure I have it in me to look him in the eyes and tell him the friendship we’ve cherished for more than a decade will soon be a distant memory. That I’ve found someone who loves me—someone special—and by doing so, I need to put him first, even if it means putting Brandon last.
Rip the Band-Aid off.
My phone rings again, cutting into my thoughts, and I know who it is without even checking.A brief glance at the screen confirms it, the sight of Brandon’s name mocking me.
