“The plan for mytragic little lifedidn’t seem to bother you when you fucked me.” Her eyes well with tears. “I can’t do this anymore.”
“You don’twantto do this. There’s a difference.”
“No, there’s not. I hate you. That’s the only thing that is clear.”
“Keep telling yourself that, you might believe it one day.”
She surges forward and screams, “I do. I fucking hate you. You’re pathetic and insufferable. You were a convenient tool that I only wanted to use so I could forget. Big fucking deal. Great dick, but that’s replaceable, like you.”
When she storms out of the room, I let her go.
69
IVY
This week has been endless. After-school activities and sporting events were all canceled because of a hurricane that shifted enough to not cause any issues, just some rain and minor flooding that occurs for a normal rain shower. One of the Belgrave football players decided to have a hurricane party regardless of the weather conditions that I seriously consider bailing on now.
But staying in bed will only remind me that Luca isn’t in it either. He’s kept his distance and hasn’t spoken to me since I walked out of his bedroom last weekend. And I’ve pretended like nothing happened, though it’s harder to do than I thought it would be. He’s right. I might as well have been buried in the ground after that night. But it should’ve only been me, not my mom.
I head downstairs and almost make it to the garage before Dad spots me and pulls his phone from his ear. “Where are you going?”
“To a party.”
He states, “Everett stopped by earlier.”
“Okay.”
“You need to stop leading him on; your life is here now.”
Stopping, I turn to assess him. “Is there a reason you don’t want me talking to Everett? Like something involving the accident?”
There’s pure disgust on his face. “No, I’m just telling you that the boy doesn’t deserve to be strung along by his dick. It’s the only reason he’s still bothering with you.”
The words hit harder than they should before I say, “That’s not true.”
Dad almost looks like he’s enjoying it. “It’s a good thing you’re pretty because that’s the only thing they stick around for. Once Everett realizes he won’t get what he wants out of you, he’ll be gone for good.”
“Just because you use people doesn’t mean everyone does.”
“Sure, Ivy Bear. Stop putting out and see how fast they scatter.” His phone is back on his ear as he starts talking on his way out. “Yeah. Nothing important. I’ll be there in a few.”
I stand in place until I hear Anthony, “Ms. Walker, is there anything I can do for you?”
“No, thanks. I’m good,” I lie and give him a half smile. “I’ll see you later.”
Once I arrive at the party, I find Brooke on the patio. I drop down on the bench beside her as she passes me the half-empty cup in her hand. I take a sip and pass it back to her. I don’t spot Luca anywhere, but I shouldn’t even be searching for him to start with.
“I need another drink.” I walk into the house and grab two but only one is for me. This time I’m pacing myself, so I don’t end up hurling like I need an exorcist.
Once I’m back outside, I sit down next to Brooke and pass her the other bottle. There’re tiki lights strung around an unlit firepit. Only a few people are in the backyard as a light rain continues to fall.
Brooke seems to snap out of her daze as she says, “Let’s go dance.”
“Later.”
She turns to face me. “What did he do? Do I need to yell at him? You’ve been sulking all week. You were finally having a little fun.”
“It had nothing to do with him,” I tell her as she just rolls her eyes. “Mm-hmm.” But thankfully drops the topic.
