“Why?” I question, sitting up straighter.
He genuinely looks stumped. “Why what?”
“Why did you come back suddenly, and why are you acting like you care?”
Emotion clogs my throat as he makes his way over to me and jolts the swing as he sits, facing me.
“Don’t ask me stupid questions,” he mutters as he fights to keep my gaze locked on his. “I cared about you more than I did myself.”
“That was years ago,” I argue back.
“Well, nothing has changed on my end. I’m still the same person I was back then.”
Is he a comedian now?
A throaty laugh escapes my mouth. “Says the man who sells out arenas all around the world.”
His beautiful jaw clenches. “That doesn’t define who I am.”
“Elijah, are you hearing yourself? You couldn’t be any more different from the boy I used to know.”
His eyes fall to the ground.
I instantly feel terrible.Who am I becoming?
When I pat his knee, he tenses under my touch.
“It’s normal. We all change. But your growth is much larger than mine. I don’t see how our lives can mix.”
“That’s an awful fucking excuse—for so many reasons.” He scoffs.
“Really?” When I face him, his frown doesn’t let up. “Maybe you can just come back and hit start on our friendship again, but I can’t. I’m nothing like I used to be.” I gesture with my hands. “If I don’t get a full-time position, I’ll lose my house. Do you know what that means? I’m going broke.”
His mouth drops open.
“I’m close to losing everything that I have.” I shake my head, frustrated, as my voice gives out.
“I didn’t know. I didn’t … I swear.” Getting up he starts pacing in front of my veranda, he nervously runs his hands through his hair, gripping the roots. “If I had known you were having so much trouble, I would have helped.” Halting in place, he begs, “Tell me what you need, and it’s yours. How much do you need to pay off this place?”
I grab his arm, tugging him as he starts inspecting my house like his second job is as a realtor.
“Elijah—” I stop talking when he grabs my chin and brings our faces closer.
“Please, let me pay off your house after all the pain I’ve caused you.”
When did he get this intense?
Not having the strength to look into eyes that were my safe place for so many years, I look over his shoulder athishouse. “Don’t be silly, Elijah. I’m not taking anything from you.”
Hot breath hits my ear, sending shivers down my entire spine.
“You’rebeing silly. You need to let me help you.”
He takes a step back, his arm falling to his side.
“I don’t take handouts.” I need to work for my home … do this on my own, earn it.
Disappointment is evident throughout his entire body. “How could you ever say it would be a handout?” Putting his handsin his sweatpants pockets, he says, “Where did your parents go anyway? Didn’t they own this place?”
