“Sure.” She pockets her phone and smiles.
I slow down as I approach the diner, preparing to pull up at the curb to let her out when I see them.
Callan and Ana.
Her arms are tight around his neck, her lips glued to his, and my pain is immediate. Shards of pain stab me all over my heart, like needles being driven slowly into the organ to cause maximum injury. Air seizes in my lungs, and tears spring to my eyes. How could he do this? Did I mean nothing to him at all? I look away, unable to watch it for a second longer.
“Oh my gawd,” Gwen screeches. “Keep driving, keep driving! Don’t stop.”
I’m in shock, and my entire body is wracked with pain as I fight tears and push my foot on the accelerator, driving past the diner and turning the corner at the end. I keep going as a few tears leak out of my eyes.
“Oh, Astrid,” Gwen says, and I hate the pity in her voice.
“That didn’t take long.” My voice cracks as pain shudders through me. “He didn’t even wait a week.” Silent tears roll down my face. This hurts way more than it should.
“Pull over,” my bestie says. “You’re in no state to drive.”
I do as she says on autopilot, sliding over into the passenger seat after Gwen gets out and rounds the hood. When she’s in the driver’s seat, she reaches for me, wrapping me in a hug. “He’s a prick, Azzie. He never deserved you, and you should put him out of your mind.”
“He knows how much Ana hates me,” I say, my voice wobbling as I hug her back. “Why would he do this?”
“He did it on purpose to hurt you.” Her tone is laced with anger. “There is no other explanation for why he would go for her. Callan could have any girl in school if he wanted to prove he was moving on. Kissing Ana was a pointed action, and you can’t let him get away with it. Fuck him!” she shouts. When I pull back, I see just how angry she is on my behalf. “Fuck that fucking Irish bastard! How dare he do this to you! He doesn’t get to use my best friend and get away with it. Please tell me you won’t take this lying down?”
“It’s not like I can do anything about it.” I rein in my hurt, redirecting the emotion because Gwen is right. Fuck Callan Hunt. He doesn’t get to play me like this. It’s clear I meant next to nothing to him. A bitter laugh tumbles from my lips. “I’m such a fool. Itwasall fake. Every single second of it was fake. It was never real. I was the one deluding myself, not Callan.”
“He deserves payback, and I know just how you’ll get it,” Gwen says with a devilish glint in her eye.
29
CALLAN
“Dude, I thought you weren’t coming?” Thor says when I land at his door. He rubs the back of his neck, shifting awkwardly on his feet.
“Changed my mind. Is Astrid here?” I look over his shoulder, trying to spot her in the crowds of people from school who are jam-packed into my mate’s house.
“She is, but I think you should go home. I don’t want trouble.”
I swallow over the lump in my throat. “I’m not here to cause trouble. I’m here to make it right.”
“What does that mean?” He’s still not budging from the doorway, and I get it.
He’s loyal to Astrid, and he warned me not to hurt her. He’s been mad at me all week, though he’s trying not to pick sides, and I respect him for it. The last thing I want is for things to be awkward with him or the team or to cause issues with his girlfriend. I have made a mess of things this week, but I’ve finally copped myself on, and I want to fix everything before it’s too late. “I fucked up, mate. I fucked up big time.” I drag my hands through my hair.
“Riley told me what happened at the diner with Ana, and I’m guessing that’s what’s driving Astrid’s behavior tonight.”
Goose bumps sprout on my arms at his words. “What the fuck does that mean? What behavior? What’s going on?” I ask, looking over his shoulder again, but I still don’t see her.
“Tell me where your head is at, Hunt, and no bullshit.”
“Astrid was right. I have feelings for her, but I panicked, and I’ve been licking my wounds all week, trying to fool myself into believing it was all fake when it’s been real the whole time.”
“Thank fucking God.” Thor steps aside to let me in. “You took your time getting your head on straight, and I hope Astrid is willing to forgive you, but now might not be the best time to have that conversation.” He winces, and I’m starting to panic.
“Where the fuck is she?” I storm past him, pushing my way through partygoers dressed in costumes.
I’m yanked back by a fist in my shirt. “Dude, wait.” Thor shoves me against the wall. “Promise me you won’t hit him.”
“Hit who?” I growl, my hands balling into fists at my sides upon hearing the words.
