But we’re past that.
Those feelings are gone because if they weren’t, she would’ve kissed me on the night of the banquet. She would’ve risked it all because she could’ve blamed it all on the alcohol if I didn’t feel the same way. But she didn’t.
She closed the book on the idea of that… of us… again.
It’s time for me to realize Tate and I aren’t going to happen. We aren’t going to be the next Stella and Chase.
It’s time for me to move on.
And tonight—
I plan to.
nineteen
Tate
Hey.” Naomi walks down the basement steps, pausing about halfway, looking at me through the opening. “I didn’t think you were home. I was coming to turn off the music; I didn’t realize the music was you.”
I put my guitar down and turn towards her, “Why’d you think I wasn’t home?”
“I don’t know. I saw Fletcher leave half an hour ago. I just assumed you were with him.”
“Nope.”
“Okay.” She pats the railing. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“Talk about what?”
“It just seems like something’s bothering you, that’s all.”
“I’m fine.”
She walks the rest of the way down the stairs and sits down on the arm of the couch.
“See, you’re saying that you’re fine, but your face is telling me something completely different.”
“Nomes, it’s nothing, really.”
“Is he mad at you because of Mom’s behavior on Christmas Eve?” She scrunches her nose. “Because it could’ve been better. And thatwas just what she letmewitness. I know her behavior is a little more apparent to you.”
“It was pretty bad.” I laugh. “But no, he’s not mad. He knows her well enough to know it could’ve been ten times worse.”
“Then what’s going on?”
“Fletcher’s going out with a girl from high school.”
“On a date?” Her eyes widen. “Okay, I know you guys denied it, but I could’ve sworn you were together. Or at least sleeping together.”
“Nomes!” I screech, smacking her with a pillow. “And I don’t know. He invited me, but she was flirting with him when we ran into her at the store, and I just didn’t want to be a third wheel. Plus, I think he was only inviting me, so I didn’t feel left out.”
“What girl?”
“Casey Hill.”
“Casey Hill!” She slides down onto the couch.
“Why do you know who that is?” My eyebrows draw together.
