The doorbell rang, and Carter opened the door for the movers and directed them to take a bed, a chair, and a small table.
"And take this bookshelf. It's small, and you need storage," he told her when she started to protest. "That should do it."
"Thank you," she said and gave him a kiss. "With my old apartment, Stacy and I just furnished it with castoffs and things we found by the side of the road. I don't want to make a big investment, though, since I don't want to have to move it with me when I leave."
Carter looked at her strangely. "You're planning on leaving… what, the city? The state?"
"Carter—" She felt terrible about the bitter look on his face.
"You know," he said, running his hands through his hair, "you almost had me fooled. I thought we had something, but it never meant anything to you, did it?"
"That's not true," she said. "I just meant—"
"Whatever," he said. "The car's waiting for you. I'll see you at work."
He slammed the door in her face.
"This was bound to happen sooner or later," Allie said to herself in the elevator, blinking back tears. "Brandy was right after all."
44
Carter
Carter sagged against the wall after Allie left. Margot and Gus came over to him and nuzzled against his legs. He petted them numbly.
So she was leaving. It was true—he had never actually meant anything to her. His father was right all along.
Trying to shake off his disappointment and heartache, he texted his mother.
Do you want to get dinner?
Her reply came after a few minutes.
I'm in New Cardiff
Hosting Brandy's bridal tea tomorrow
Why don't you come by?
What the hell was a bridal tea?
Okay I'll come in the morning.
As soon as he sent the text, he thought better of it. Allie would surely be there. He didn't know if he could face seeing her. His phone buzzed again.
Your grandfather wants to see you
I told him you would go to dinner with him
"Not like I have anything better to do," Carter said and changed his clothes. Then he walked the three blocks over to Harris's building.
"All ready for dinner?" Stacy giggled as she greeted him at the door.
"Uh…" Carter walked in and let the door shut behind him. "Is my grandfather around?"
"Harris is down working out in the building gym," she said, tossing her hair. "You and I can have some time alone." Alarm bells went off in his head.
"I'll just wait downstairs for him," he said.
