"The people who live around here. People with no motivation. No manners. No desire for personal growth. Just look at you." He points to me. "It's after nine on a Saturday and you're not even showered and dressed. The old Brook would be dressed with her hair and makeup done by now, and you'd be at yoga class with Jane."
He's right. That's what I used to do. I'd get up early on Saturdays and actually get dressed up for yoga. My hair and makeup had to be perfect because that's how everyone else looked. It was hot yoga so I'd get sweaty in class and have to go home, shower, and do my hair and makeup all over again. It was such a waste of time.
"I don't do yoga anymore."
"Yeah, I can tell," he says, looking at my body.
He's such a jerk. I might've put on a couple pounds since moving here but I'm still skinny. And yet Chad's looking at me like I'm obese.
"You could use some time in the gym yourself. Maybe try to get some muscles."
It was probably a childish reply but it felt good to say it. For years I accepted Chad's criticisms with a smile and a promise to do better. But no more. I'm not letting Chad, or any guy, tell me how to look. Dean wouldn't even think to do that. He loves me for who I am.
"Oh, so now you're insulting me?" Chad says. "After everything I've done for you?"
"What exactly did you do for me?"
"I made you a better person. I pushed you to be your best. And now look at you. It's like all that work was for nothing." He sits back on the couch. "I can see why your dad was concerned."
"My dad? You talked to my dad?"
"We've been talking for weeks. He asked me to check on you but I haven't had time. Good thing I came now or it might've been too late."
I get up. "Too late for what? What the hell is going on here?"
"You need to get out of this place," he says, standing to face me. "This isn't you, Brook. You're starting to act like you belong here. You used to be well-dressed, sophisticated, your hair and makeup always done. You used to be social. You should be out with your friends, not sitting around the house."
"Jane and those other girls weren't my friends. They only did stuff with me because I had money."
"You still have money. Your dad's giving you an allowance to spend when you get back. And he's leasing you a car until his wife agrees to let him buy you one. He's also agreed to get your membership back at the country club. We've got it all worked out. It'll be just like before."
"I can't believe this," I say, that sick feeling returning, the same one I had when Mrs. Kresly called to ask when I'd be back at school.
Chad smiles. "It's great, right? And it wouldn't have happened if it weren't for me." He yanks me into his arms. "You can thank me now."
"Thank you?" I try to push away from him but he won't let me go.
"I know you've missed me. And I know all that stuff about breaking up with me was just a ploy to get my attention. You were jealous of Tamara, but she's gone now. We can be together and go back to like it was before."
"I don't want that," I say, my muscles tightening as he holds me closer. "I'm not getting back together with you."
"You don't have a choice. You're nothing without me. Just look at what's happened to you since you left. You're a different person. Out of shape. Lazy. Your hair's a mess. Your complexion's bad. We can fix all that, but not until you come back."
I'm fuming hearing him say those things about me. How dare he come here and put me down like that! I swear he gets off on it. Telling me I'm not good enough is like a drug to him. He craves the power he has over for me, but I'm not giving him that power.
"I can't believe I ever dated you. You never cared about me. You just used me to feel better about yourself. To feel like you had power."
"Don't talk to me that way." He grabs both my arms, his fingers digging into my skin as he stares down at me. "I came here as a favor to you. And as a favor to your dad. You should be thanking me."
"Get out," I say, my eyes locked on his.
He slowly smiles, then leans down and smashes his mouth to mine.
Chapter Fifteen
Brook
When I try to push him away, Chad fights me, holding me against him so I can't move. I purse my lips when he tries to force his tongue in my mouth, which makes him finally stop kissing me but he won't let me go.
