I don't think about Bree.
I don't think about anything.
By the time I clock out at ten, I'm exhausted. Physically. Emotionally. Completely drained.
I just want to go home, crawl into bed, and disappear.
But when I get home, Declan is sitting outside my door.
He's got two milkshakes from my favorite shop. A bag from my favorite diner that smells like the breakfast sandwich I always order. His hair is a mess. His eyes are bloodshot.
He looks terrible.
Good.
"Sutton." He stands up quickly. "Please. Just five minutes. That's all I'm asking."
I stare at him, remembering all the times I believed him before. All the times I gave him the benefit of the doubt.
"I brought a strawberry milkshake. And I had them make your favorite bacon, egg, and cheese. I’m guessing you didn’t eat breakfast this morning.” He holds them out like peace offerings. "Please. Just let me explain."
I am hungry. And that milkshake is comfort in a cup.
I take it from his hand.
His face lights up with hope.
I walk past him to the trash can at the end of the hall. Pour the entire cup into it. The creamy ice cream slides down the plastic bag.
"Sutton."
I walk back, unlock my door, and step inside.
He’s standing there looking like I just kicked his puppy.
I stare at him for two seconds before shutting the door in his face.
"Nothing happened!" His voice is muffled through the wood. "Bree was crying. She asked me to walk her to her room. That's it. That's all that happened."
I pull out my phone and open Spotify, searching for the angriest playlist I have.
"I didn't cheat on you! I would never cheat on you!"
I turn up the volume—the music blasts through my room, drowning out his voice before I put in my earbuds.
I am drawn into a world with an angry guitar and a pounding drumbeat.
I press my back against the door, sliding down to sit on the floor.
I can feel him on the other side. Feel the vibration of his voice through the wood, even though I can't hear the words anymore.
The music pounds in my ears. Aggressive guitars. Screaming vocals. Exactly what I need.
I don't know how long he stays out there. Ten minutes. Twenty. Maybe more.
Eventually, the vibrations stop.
He's gone.
