Or maybe it can get worse. “Whatever.” I brush past Flip and head for the elevator. Fuck this bullshit.
“Tallulah!” Dad calls after me.
I keep walking because yelling at him is an embarrassment neither of us needs.
Flip says something, but I don’t catch it.
I stab the elevator button until the doors open and throw myself inside. I rocket punch the close doors, but Flip’s hand appears before they can, and he steps inside with me. And then it’s just the two of us and all of my exceptionally large feelings stuck in a box together.
“That looked tense,” he observes.
“Yup.” I wrap my arms around myself, as if it will keep me from falling apart.
“Are you okay?” His voice is gentle, piteous.
I hate it. “I’m fine.”
“Talls.”
I can’t decide if I want to scream or cry.
“Do you need a ride home?” Flip asks.
“I’m good.” Definitely cry.
I try to brush past him as we step off the elevator.
“Please let me drive you home,” Flip says.
I bite my lips together, fighting the stupid tears that threaten to embarrass me. He’s already witnessed two of my worst moments, why not add another? “Okay. Thank you.”
I follow him to his car.
“Did your dad bail on you?” Flip asks.
“Yup. And he was ready to bail on me for you first, so I guess I know where I sit on his list of priorities.”
“He loves you, Tally,” Flip says gently.
“He’s terrible at showing it. He’s used to everyone bending for him. He’s always in charge. Except he’s not in charge of my feelings, so he’s running away from them, and me, and that really fucking hurts.” And didn’t Flip do the same thing at New Year’s?
“I’m sorry.” Flip’s fingers brush the back of my hand.
I step out of reach. “I don’t need your pity, Flip.”
Everything about him softens. “That’s not what this is.”
“Isn’t it, though? I came all the way here and my dad blew me off, I feel sorry enough for me for the both of us.”
The drive to my apartment is tense. I have so many things I want to say, but I’m too shredded to form the right thoughts. Everything hurts, and I’m too much in my feelings. Flip is taking care of me again, which levels up my anger at my dad.
He pulls up in front of my building and turns to me. “Tally, about what happened at New?—”
“Please don’t, Phillip. My heart won’t survive another hit right now.” I can’t handle hearing him say he’s sorry for almostkissing me. For giving me the wrong impression. “Thanks for the ride.”
I leave the car before he can say any of those things.
CHAPTER 12
