She doesn’t try to stop me as I stomp down the stairs and out the door. I thought maybe she’d chase after me and make more of an effort to explain, but she just gave up. And maybe she doesn’t even have to explain. It’s pretty straightforward. She didn’t choose me or Dad. And the only reason she cares now is because of her name and reputation. She wants a different kid, not the one she’s stuck with.
I place my helmet on and climb onto my bike, kicking it into gear and zooming off. I make it to Justin’s party within minutes and enter the house.
Parties aren’t my thing. I went to a few last year, but I wasn’t really interested. Then Dad got sick and I devoted my time to taking care of him.
The place is crowded and I push my way through the people, searching for Sophie and the guy whom I have no idea what he looks like.
It’s not long before I see them chatting in the corner of the room. She’s looking at him like she’s soaking each and every word that leaves his mouth. And he looks at her like she’s the most special thing in his life.
I feel like a total idiot. Why would I assume he’s not good for her? It’s clear the guy is crazy about her. And Sophie knows how to take care of herself.
As I watch them, my throat tightens again. She looks so happy. No, more than happy. I haven’t known her for long, but this is the happiest I’ve ever seen her. When I said she was glowing before? It’s nothing compared to how she looks now.
When they go to the dance floor to dance, the guy doesn’t touch her in a way that would make her uncomfortable. Actually, he’s making her feel so at ease because she looks insecure as she tries to dance. He’s being very sweet to her.
My thoughts travel to another time and place where, instead of Axel, I’m the one dancing with her. And then, the music slows down and she’s in my arms, staring up at me like I’m her world.
Shaking my head, I stop my thoughts before they go too far. “Idiot,” I mutter under my breath.
After watching her bright smile for a few more minutes and feeling happy for her, I turn around and leave the house. I don’t want to go back home, so I take my bike for a drive.
I try not to think about her, but of course I do.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Sophie
My phone beeps on Saturday morning.
With a groan, I turn to my other side and sweep it off my nightstand, trying to pry one of my eyes open because they’re glued shut. My phone shows 7:31. Who the heck is bothering me so early on a Saturday morning?
Then I see it’s a text from Axel.
Both my eyes pop open as my body lights up with thrill. Did he wake up early to wish me a good morning? That’s so sweet and cute.
Axel: Things are not working out. I think we should break up.
It feels like a tidal wave crashes over me, leaving me gasping for air. I blink a few times and stare at the screen, my brain not comprehending the words I’m reading. Axel is…breaking up with me?
“No, no,” I say as I start tapping out a response.
Sophie: What do you mean? What’s wrong?
It takes a while, but he finally reads my text. He doesn’t respond.
Sophie: Did I do something wrong? Shouldn’t we talk about this?
Again, he reads the text but doesn’t respond.
Sophie: I deserve an explanation, Axel.
Finally, I see that he’s responding. It takes a long time, as though he’s either texting something and erasing, or debating whether he should send it or not. In the end, his response appears on my screen.
Axel: You’re just not who I thought you were.
It feels like ice passes through my veins.
Sophie: What do you mean? I’ve always been real with you. I never lied about anything. Where is this coming from?
