In a foul mood, I stormed back into the house.
“Pizza’s almost ready,” Mum called to me.
“Eat it yourselves,” I huffed and took the stairs two at a time. Slamming my bedroom door behind me, I prayed my mum and sister left me alone as I dove onto the bed and slipped my headphones on. Biffy Clyro filled my ears, and I tried to ignore the panic that gripped my chest.
It wasn’t Mum or Eilidh who walked into my room later that evening.
Dad popped his head in a few hours later, and I reluctantly slipped off my headphones. “May I come in?” he asked.
I nodded and scooted up against my headboard, waiting as Dad sat down on the end of the bed. He gestured to my headphones. “Who are you listening to now?”
“Biffy Clyro.” I’d only gotten into them because my dad and uncles liked the older band.
He grinned. “Good taste.”
I stared down at my lap, unable to engage in small talk.
“Your mum says something’s up.”
Callie’s face flashed before me again. The hurt in hereyes. Then the determination. I should have known what that determination meant.
If Michael kissed her tonight, I’d lose my fucking mind.
My hands unconsciously clenched into fists.
Dad noticed. “Talk to me, Lew.”
“I’m fine.”
“You’re not fine.”
He waited patiently. Then, “Does it have something to do with Callie going on a date with Michael tonight?”
My head whipped up. “How do you know about that?”
Dad’s expression was neutral as he replied, “You know Kenna helps out at your mum’s daycare now and then. She told her about the date.”
“Right.” I’d forgotten that Michael’s stepmum filled in whenever one of Mum’s full-time staff was on leave.
“So … is it a problem for you? I know you and Callie are best friends and you and Michael are friends …”
“It can’t be a problem for me.” I shrugged. “I told Callie I just wanted to be friends, so she can do what she wants.”
Dad frowned. “Do you mean Callie told you she wanted to be more than friends with you?”
Months ago. And I’d wanted to kiss her and tell her I felt the same way. But … “She’s my best friend, Dad. And I know I’m not supposed to say shit like that—” I winced at the curse that slipped out. “Sorry.”
Dad waved off the apology and gestured for me to continue.
I sat forward, running a hand through my long hair. “Callie is one of the most important people in my life. If we started going out and then something happened and we broke up … I’d lose her. And I can’t lose her.”
“So … you have those feelings for her? Romantic feelings?”
My heart rate picked up and I huffed. “Who wouldn’t? She’s amazing. I know how amazing she is. Michael onlywants to go out with her because she’s the prettiest girl at school. Wanker.” This time I didn’t wince at cursing in front of my father.
Dad smirked. “I thought Michael was your friend?”
“Until he went after Callie. He knows what she means to me.”
