His eyes burn into mine, filled with emotion and sincerity. His hand releases me and the loss of contact causes a shiver to run down my spine. My hand absentmindedly grabs for my now abandoned wrist and wraps around it.
“I’m sorry, okay?” he states, and he looks like he actually means that. Like he’s actually sorry, but for what?
“Why?”
“For bringing up your-”
“It’s fine,” I say, not letting him continue. “Just… don’t do it again. If I wanted to talk about it, I’d bring it up. Got it?” I tell him, hoping he just accepts that answer and doesn’t ask any questions.
To my surprise, Holland nods. “Fine, okay. I won’t bring it up again,” he tells me, and I believe him.
Looking down at the sidewalk, I shift awkwardly. There’s a weird kind of tension in the air and I’m not quite sure what it is or what it means.
“Okay. Thank you.”
Turning around, I head for the porch before he can stop me to say anything else. Of course the sight of me shutting the door doesn’t deter him from saying his last thought.
“Let my sister know I got you home safe. She’s probably concerned I kidnapped you again,” he chuckles to himself before heading back to his car and driving the rest of the way down the street to the Elite mansion.
Shit. Ellie, Gwen, and Haley are probably worried sick about how I got home. I’m sure Holland told them he was going to bring me, at least I hope he did.
Chapter 15
Holland
Ifucked up. I know I fucked up. Why the hell did I try to bring up her parents? Oh, I know why, because I’m a fucking idiot. Good going, Holland. Real nice job.
Who knows when the last time Lainey talked about her parents was. She hates even the mention of them, and I know this. She’s always been like that, even when we were kids. Yet, my dumbass still brought it up.
I know it upset her. I could tell she was holding back, and she couldn’t get away from me fast enough. But I needed her to know I was sorry for mentioning it.
I can’t stand the thought of her sitting in her room or in her shower curled up and crying because I stupidly brought up something she probably wasn’t even thinking about.
I should go back and make sure she’s okay, right?
No, Holland. You’re not her boyfriend, and she sure as hell doesn’t want to see you right now. Give it up, man.
Running my hands through my hair, I walk into the empty kitchen and grab a water from the fridge. The guys are still out, and the rest of the house is quiet.
Deciding against watching a movie alone, I make my way to my bedroom. Setting the water bottle down on my bedside table, I faceplant onto my king-sized bed with a loud groan.
Lainey and I always joke, we always rib each other, that’s our thing. I’ve always known where the line was. Never bring up her parents or her childhood.
Honestly, I think a lot of it is because she’s embarrassed. She tried really hard to act as if it didn’t bother her, but I knew better. Growing up without parents would be difficult for anyone. I can’t imagine not having my mom at my side. I honestly don’t have a clue where I’d be without her.
I’m sad for Lainey that she never got to experience that. When her parents were home, her mom barely paid attention to her. Her dad hardly acknowledged her existence.
I used to think it was really strange. What kind of parents left for weeks on end when their kid was at home with a nanny? What kind of mother would come home after a long trip and practically ignore her daughter.
My mom aways told Ellie and I that some people weren’t meant to be parents. Mr. and Mrs. Barkley definitely fall under that category. Why’d they even have Lainey if they were going to ignore her?
I’m sure Lainey asks herself these questions daily, and that thought sends a surge of pain to gather in my chest. She doesn’t deserve that.
Groaning loudly into my comforter, I finally move my head to breathe. A loud ping interrupts the angry thoughts in my brain.
Unlocking my lock screen, I see I have a text from Ellie. I scoff at the name she’s created as her contact.
Best Sister Ever
