“I’m so sorry, Jess. I really am. I would like to come home in a couple of weeks, without you leaving just to avoid me.”
Crap. He knew. I wanted to be subtle about it, so no one else felt they had to choose.
“I don’t expect you to forgive me right away, but I’ll do my best to make it up to you.”
I nod again, wiping my face.
“Hey, please look at me. I feel like I’m talking to myself.” He laughs nervously.
I face the phone, looking down.
“Jess, look at me.” I look up with just my eyes, and his expression holds so much pain. “I’m sorry.”
I watch him sit there. “I don’t know what to say,” I whisper
His face falls. “Just tell me that you will give me a chance to start over. You will at least try.”
I know that the animosity between the two of us hurts our parents and the twins. I’m not sure I can trust him completely. If I give in, will it seem like I’m a pushover? He accused me of so many things that I didn’t do. He also hurt me, when I could haveused his support. All the memories resurface, and doubt creeps in.
He closes his eyes as I remain silent.
“There are two conditions,” I tell him.
His eyes fly open, and he leans forward. “I’m listening.”
“I can’t guarantee that my mouth won’t get the best of me, especially when you irritate me.”
“Okay, I can handle some snark.”
“If you ever lay a hand on me again, I will fry your ass so that all that remains are ashes.”
He lets out a long, shaky breath and runs a hand through his golden-blond hair. “If I ever touch you like that again, which I won’t, you have my permission to fry my ass. Do your worst. I would deserve it.”
I study him, assessing his sincerity. The emotions reflect in his eyes. What he did bothers him. My gaze flickers back down to the lacquered case. He put a lot of thought into this gift. “When you get home, I’ll be here. It’s the only thing I can promise right now.”
Relief washes over him, and he gives me a big smile. “Thank you.”
“Thank you for my gift. I’m gonna kick ass during the finals.”
“I have no doubt that you will.”
I flash him a mischievous smile. “Oh, and this is mine now.” I pull at the front of the hoodie. “I admit to theft because I’m stealing it.”
He smirks. “Help yourself to all my hoodies, especially if it makes you smile like that.”
I blush. “Good night, Luke.”
“Good night, Jess.”
I return to my room with my new gift in hand, content that Luke and I will work past whatever started our feud.
Chapter 55
Birthday Aftermath
JESSICA
Six Years Ago
