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And that didn’t fly with me anymore.
I couldn't shake the feeling that things were over between us. That it was only a matter of time before we parted ways. I wouldn't blame her, though. This was miserable for both of us. I should’ve seen it coming. The way she’d been pulling away. The distance between us lately. How upset I knew she had been when I told her I wasn’t applying to college. She probably expected me to repay her for helping me this year. Repay her by going to college and making something of my life. But I didn't operate that way.
If you wanted to help someone, you shouldn't expect anything in return. Otherwise, it wasn’t really help.
It was debt.
And even still, I knew Rae was a good person. She deserved a good man at her side. A good person of a man. Not like she’d stay with a no-good, dead-end asshole like me for too long. I was lucky to have had her for this long. I knew it was only a matter of time before she realized she could do better. And with the way those men were flirting with her behind that damn frat house, she’d probably realized it tonight.
Hence, her words.
I burped and the world tilted for a second. I finished my glass of water and chased it with the lukewarm mug of coffee. I needed enough energy running through my veins to get a shower. To wash the stench of that damn house off me. I drew in a deep breath before hoisting myself out of the chair. I stumbled against the railing before a soft gasp trickled against my ears.
And as I turned around, I saw everyone staring at me.
Ally, Mike, and Rae.
“Yeah?” I asked.
Mike licked his lips. “We’ve been talking.”
I nodded. “I’m sure.”
Ally cleared her throat. “And we think it might be best for everyone involved if you stay in the room with Mike tonight.”
Rae balked. “Wait, what?”
Mike held up his hand to her. “You can get your things and come take a shower. Our room has a really nice tub, too. You can soak, if you want.”
Rae snickered. “I thought you said we were staying in our own rooms? So you could be with Allison?”
I nodded. “Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”
Ally tried to perk up. “I mean, we can have a girl’s night this way. I’m not tired. We could order another round of desserts and watch a movie. How’s that sound?”
Rae frowned. “I don’t want to eat sweets and watch a movie. I want to talk with Clint.”
I snickered. “Yeah, well. You already did that tonight. Why don’t we save some talking for tomorrow?”
We all fell silent and Rae’s eyes filled with tears. I didn’t want to feel bad for her. She didn’t deserve it. I did anyway.
“But--”
Mike cut Rae off. “Really, Rae. We all need to cool our jets for the night. You said you wanted space, so here it is.”
Rae sighed. “I don’t remember saying that.”
I scoffed. “Doesn’t mean you didn’t.”
Her eyes rose to mine and I walked inside. I couldn't have her staring at me like that all night. I’d cave. Eventually. And I didn’t want to do that. For once, I needed to be away from her. I needed to not be in the same room as her. I quickly grabbed some clothes and got my toiletry bag from the bathroom.
“Ready when you are, Mike.”
I watched him kiss Ally’s forehead before he nodded at Rae. I saw the way Ally looked at Mike. The way their eyes connected with love. It was the way I looked at Rae. Every single time I set eyes on her. But she hadn’t looked at me like that in a while. Rae’s eyes fell against me, and I turned away. I couldn't look at her. It hurt too damn much. The last thing I needed was a reminder of what we didn’t currently have because I couldn't take much more tonight. And as we left the bedroom, I heard Rae sniffling and Ally trying to cheer her up.
“It’s okay, we can all talk tomorrow.”
“Maybe over breakfast in the bedroom?”
