Page 83 of Fueled Hate

“See ya later.” I wave to Jett as I’m leaving work and he gives me a friendly smile. He wasn’t happy to hear of the news that Dylan and I are … whatever we are, but I understand. He’s trying to protect me after what happened three days ago when I had a breakdown in front of him.

Dylan says Jett is jealous, but Dylan is the one who keeps a grumpy stare directed at Jett at all times. As far as I’m concerned, Jett is a good friend but nothing more. It’s Dylan I want, and I’m thrilled to see him waiting in the parking lot to pick me up. Even with my car back in my possession, he still insists on driving me everywhere, and I can’t say I mind all that much. The only thing he won’t budge on is letting me pay him back. Little does he know I already opened an account solely for the purpose of saving the money to give him back for the tuition. What he does with it is his choice, but I will give it all back to him someday.

There’s a tension between us as we arrive back to my apartment, and I think I know why. “Are you racing tomorrow?”

“No.”

“What about Friday night?”

“No,” he replies, not giving me anything to go off of other than his flat tone.

“Would you tell me if you were planning to race?”

“Yes.”

“Dylan, what’s wrong?” I ask as he goes to leave the room.

Stopping as he reaches for the doorknob, he keeps his back to me as he replies, “My mom called me earlier to find out when I’d be home for my aunt’s wedding.”

“When is the wedding?”

“This weekend.”

He’s leaving. “Are you going?”

“I told her I couldn’t make it. She was disappointed but said she understood.”

“So, what is it then?”

His arm reaches up, clutching the back of his neck as he turns to me. “Emma called me afterward, crying because she wants me to come home. I told her I’d be there.”

A slight smile peeks at my lips thinking of how his little sister has him wrapped around her finger. “That’s good. I’m sure she’s excited to see you.”

Dylan avoids looking to me as he whispers, “I’m scared.”

“Of what?”

“Of going home. Of telling my mom why Noah was here.”

“She’s not gonna blame you. She’s gonna welcome you home with open arms and so is Emma.”

He looks over to me with an agonizing expression. “Will you come with me?”

“I’m not sure if I can. I have to work this weekend, but I’m sure Toby would give me the day off Saturday if he knew we were going out of town.”

“I don’t want to go without you.”

“Then I’ll be there.” When have I ever been able to resist him? Meeting his family makes me nervous, him wanting me there makes me ecstatic. “Are you sure your mom won’t mind?”

“She won’t.” He reaches over, cupping my face in his palm. “She’ll love you.”

I hope so.

46

Sadie

Maybe enormous isn’t the correct word for the Atwood residence. Although the mansion feels even larger on the inside than it looks on the outside and is impeccably appointed and boasts every modern luxury, it also feels hollow. It’s not the size of the house or the décor that makes it feel lonely; it’s Dylan’s detachment since we arrived, and even before that. Unconsciously, my hands grip my forearms as I walk down the hallway, my heels clicking along the marble floor.