Page 26 of When We Were Young

I was so focused on listening to his story that I forgot he could easily turn it back on me. Still, the gravel in his voice makes me want to share, if for no other reason than to take away some of his discomfort.

“I had sort of a similar situation. Except my guy wasn't so nice.”

His eyes widen, and a flash of anger passes across his face. He doesn’t speak, but his gaze is intense.

I break eye contact and look at my hands, picking at my green nail polish.

“We grew up in the same town. Not as small as yours, maybe, but we hung out with the same group of friends. I probably should have realized he was into me—and scaring away anyone else interested—sooner than I did because he was always around. Any guy who even looked at me suddenly went from being a possibility to never speaking to me again.”

He doesn’t interrupt, and I almost wish he would, so we could quit talking about this. About Landon.

“I eventually gave in and went on a few dates with him after many requests. And the next thing I knew, he was my boyfriend. I know that sounds naive.” I shrug. “In the beginning, he was... decent. He was nice enough to me at first. In the end, not as much.”

I glance back up at him to find him watching me closely. My insides shake, but I’m not sure if it’s anger, because of Landon's behavior and his refusal to walk away, or if it’s from the way Holden holds my gaze. We’re quiet for a few moments, then he breaks the silence.

“I don’t love that your first boyfriend was just ‘decent’ and ‘nice enough.’ You deserve way more than that.”

Something in his words doesn’t sound entirely unbiased.

“I don’t know. I probably wasn’t always the easiest to deal with.”

He narrows his eyes at me, but before he can speak, I continue.

“Anyway, we dated for a few years in high school, and then, when it came time for college, he declined his acceptance to the prestigious private college his dad wanted him to go to and came here.”

“So, he’s smart?” Holden asks.

A laugh escapes me. “No, definitely not. But he’s rich. Rich enough for his dad to buy his way into a good college despite his abysmal GPA.”

“But instead, he followed you to this school?”

“Yeah. He did. Whether I wanted him to or not.”

Chapter Eleven

Lizzie

Ishould be more aware of my surroundings. I know that. But lately, I’m distracted by a constant barrage of thoughts about Holden. If I had been paying attention, I would have seen Landon before I walked up to my porch, where he sits.

“Liz. Awfully late getting home from work, huh?”

A freezing chill runs through me. I don’t mean to, but I take a step backward. I hate to give him any indication that he gets to me.

His sinister chuckle tells me he noticed. “What’s the matter, baby? You know me.”

“Yeah, I know you. That’s why I know to be careful.” I keep my tone as neutral as I can manage, even though I’m shaking inside.

“I’m just here to talk. Though I’m not happy I had to wait so long.”

I make no effort to move closer. The last thing I want is for him to come into my little apartment. He’s already made a habit of showing up in places important to me and tarnishing them with his presence. I won’t allow him to do it to my home.

“Okay. So, talk. Is everything okay back home? Your family? My family?”

His fierce glare is unnerving, but he says nothing. The annoying click he makes with his tongue grates on my nerves, now as much as ever.

“Do you think I only come when there’s bad news from home? I could’ve texted for that.”

I shrug.