I’ve got to get away. As far away as I possibly can.
And it still wouldn’t be far enough.
“Noah, wait!” I hear him stumble, trying to catch himself but before he can regain his balance and before I change my mind, I quickly make my way to the car, swing open the door and whip out of the driveway as fast as I can.
As I pull away, watching him standing there, lost and confused, getting smaller and smaller, I can’t help the feeling that I just drove away from my chance at something real.
That I lost something I never even had a chance to fully enjoy.
But, it’s the only way. I’ve made a choice tonight. A choice to let Brad be happy with a baby that he clearly has always wanted.
I clench my fist around the steering wheel and continue to drive.
Leaving Brad, and the best weekend I’ve ever had behind me.
Part Two
Bonded To You
18
Noah
Well, that’s it. I’ve hit the trifecta.
I’m broke, bruised, and broken-hearted.
I haven’t been this down bad since I was six and peed my pants at soccer practice in front of Julie Sanders.
“That’s it. You’re done.” Cadence,the usually chill bartender at my favorite dive bar,says as he tosses me out on my ass.
I wince as the rough gravel pinches at my leg. “Aw, come on, Cade. You know I’m good for it.”
“The thing is, Idon’t.” He crosses his arms against his big chest. “This is your third time you haven’t been able to pay your bill.”
I let out a heavy sigh. I know he’s right. Ever since I lost my job as a lifeguard at The Cove, money has gotten tight.Reallytight. Doesn’t help that I keep blowing what little I have on drinks — the only thing that numbs the emptiness inside of me.
The emptinessheleft.
“Why don’tyoujust give me a job, huh?” I chuckle, only half joking.
“Can’t.” He shakes his head, holding the door open for a group walking inside.
“Why not?” I ask, offering the passersby an awkward wave from the ground as I push my hair out of my face. I’m overdue for a haircut, but I just haven’t been able to bring myself to get it done.
“Because, I only work with people I trust.” He huffs out a laugh. “I’ve got an idea. “Why don’t you go home?” He winks at me before walking inside, leaving me there, alone.
The bar’s outside lights flicker dimly above me, the only thing keeping me from complete darkness.
I scoff to myself, lowering my head. “Home.”
If only he knew I had no home to return to.
Between the flat I share with Ian, my roommate who clearly regrets every choice that led to us cohabiting, and my mom’s house, where she’s shacked up with her... boyfriend? Fiancé? Who the hell knows what phase of delusion they’re in now, either way, both living situations are a steaming pile of shit.
So, no. I don’t have ahome. I have… Hana, Hawaii, and about— I open my wallet, dodging the flies that spill out—thirteen dollars.
All I need is to get myself together, and I’m sure I can make this work.
