“That wasn’t intentional. We just didn’t talk about it.”
I want to ask about Harper. Is that the reason she’s struggled so much? It wasn’t her fault. But I think that might be a question for Harper.
That’s why everyone’s so protective of me. And why Brad went along with it. It explains everything. But it doesn’t fix it.The feeling of betrayal. How much it hurts. And I’m not sure anything will.
Wednesday, February 11th
Raja usually doesn’t mind sharing an office with me. Right now? They hate it. How can I tell?
“I hate this, Chas,” they say for the millionth time today. “I need my own office.”
“Sorry,” I mumble, scribbling on the paper in front of me so hard it makes holes.
Raja leans over to grab it out of my hands. “This isn’t preschool. Now we have to print this again.”
“No one uses paper anymore.”
“Just…” They take a deep breath and blow it out—dramatically, if you ask me. “What’s wrong? Talk to me.”
“Really?”
“It’s a one-time deal.”
Droning on about how much I miss Brad might get me kicked out of our office for good. But I need to talk to someone. Someone other than my mom. “No one treats me like an adult.”
“I do.” They take the remaining flyers from me and place them on their desk. “Except on days like today. For obvious reasons.”
That makes me laugh. “Fair.” I push my hair back, but that only reminds me of Brad. I drop my hand. “My dad and mom mostly. They asked Brad to take care of me.”
“And you don’t want Brad to take care of you?” They tilt their head.
“No, I…I don’t need anyone to take care of me.” I shake my head. “You don’t get it. I’ve been treated like a kid most of my adult life, and I’m tired of it.”
They study me, and I try not to squirm. “I get it, Chas.” Their lips twitch. “I’ve seen the video from the fair. Those girls toppled like dominoes.”
We both laugh because they really did. “I don’t know what to do.”
“Are you more upset at your parents for asking? Or at Brad for agreeing?”
I shrug. “Not sure.”
“Really? Because you’re still talking to your parents and ignoring Brad completely.”
“No—”
“He stopped by three times yesterday. And called twice. I finally had to ask him to quit.”
Oh. I shrug one shoulder as I force back unexpected tears. “I thought he was my friend.”
“I’m not an expert. But it makes sense. You trusted Brad.” They pat my arm. “It just hurts more because you’re in love with him.”
My eyes dart to theirs. “No. I’m not. I can’t be.” They raise both brows.
Shit. I am.
I’m in love with Brad. I click the pen in my hand. “What do I do?”
Their mouth twitches again. “You’re the adult.”
