“What's going on?” I ask as we slowly walk toward the green, circular building.
“I don't know what you're talking about,” Wilder chuffs.
I shake my head. “No, you don't get to shut down right now. You wanted me to come on this road trip. Don’t shut me out because I’m doing what you asked.”
He lets out a dramatic exhale. “Which is?”
He's really starting to get on my nerves.
“I’m getting along with Cash,” I remind him.
“I said get along with him, Blondie,” Wilder grinds out. “I didn’t say drool all over him.”
That was a low blow.
I step in front of him and place my hand on his chest, right over his heart. “What's really going on?”
He doesn't respond.
“I can't fix it if you don't tell me what this is really about,” I challenge. “We have a long drive ahead of us and I won't spend it getting the silent treatment from you.”
“You're smart.” Wilder clears his throat. “You figure it out.”
“You know what?” I take my hand off his chest. “If I wanted to speak in riddles, I'd call Jill. I don't have the energy to figure out what stupid little thing set you off. At least have the decency to tell me.”
“Fine,” Wilder grunts and swipes his sunglasses off his face. “You let Cash pay for the sensor.”
I run a hand over my face. “Are you being serious right now?”
“I told you I could pay for it,” he replies coolly.
“I know,” I say softly. “I know you have the money, but I didn't want you to use your school money to pay for my broken car on a trip to go see Cash’s girlfriend—or whoever we’re going to see. He should have to pay for it, Wilder. And more importantly, he can afford it.”
“I can afford it, too,” Wilder seethes.
“I know you can,” I reassure him as I place my hands on his broad shoulders.
“Then why didn't you let me?” There's so much hurt in his voice, my ears ache.
There’s a million reasons why I didn’t let him pay, but he won’t hear any of them right now.
Defuse, Ingrid. Defuse this situation fast.
“Wilder.” I swallow hard. “I'm sorry. I should have let you pay. I know you might not understand, but I—”
“You're so used to Cash paying for everything that you just assumed he'd pay for this, too?” Wilder interrupts with a snarky swipe.
I take a deep breath, giving myself time to pause before I say something we'll both regret.
“Somewhere in there,” I say gently as I raise my hand to show him the diamond band he gave me, “is my boyfriend. The guy who put this ring on my hand and promised me a future. Where is he?”
I watch as the walls he's been constructing all day start to crumble. “I...”
“You want me to get along with Cash?” I tilt my head to the side. “Then, let me get along with Cash.”
“But what if you realize you—” He stops.
Oh.
