Page 29 of When We Were Young

I toss my backpack down and head toward the kitchenette.

“Do you guys want anything to drink? I don’t have much, but after seeing him, I’m thinking a glass of cheap-ass wine might be exactly what I need.”

“Yes, please,” Sylvia answers. “And I’m guessing a beer for you, babe, right?” she asks Tyler.

“Sure, that would be great if you have one.”

I grab a beer for him and pour wine for Sylvia and me. Then I do what we call a Lizzie pour because it’s generous.

“I’ll be right back. I’m going to change.”

I grab clothes, head to the bathroom, and switch into sweats and a T-shirt, then return to the main living area.

“So, what was he doing here?” Sylvia asks. “Things seemed pretty intense when we walked up.”

“Yeah, they were. I was really happy to see you. Not that I’m not always thrilled to see you, but especially today.”

“Some of the guys at the frat house said he’s been acting a little more... unrestrained lately,” Tyler adds.

Sylvia glances at him. “That’s a nice way to put it.”

Tyler laughs and kisses the top of her head.

They’ve been together since their freshman year of high school. As much of a failure as my relationship with Landon was, theirs is the complete opposite: a high school sweetheart’s success story. There’s no doubt in my mind they’ll end up married with a bunch of little Sylvias and Tylers running around.

I don’t want to worry my best friend, so there’s no way I’m telling her everything Landon said.

“I really don’t know why he was here. Trying to stake his claim or something. It’s ridiculous since he’s been with a million other girls since we’ve been apart.”

“Yeah, well, he’s a Carter,” Tyler says. “And Carters think they can have whatever they want, whenever they want it, regardless of who they hurt.”

Tyler's words echo my fears. Because if Landon truly is becoming unrestrained, it’s Holden who will pay for it.

Chapter Twelve

Holden

Something is wrong.

Lizette just announced that the library is closing. Most students pack up and make their way to the door.

I’ve gotten minimal studying done tonight since I’ve been more obsessed than usual with watching Lizette. I don’t even take my eyes off her while I pack up. That’s why I see her slide her backpack on and grab her water bottle before coming around the circulation desk and heading to the door.

I rush to finish packing my bag, then walk over to her. I think somewhere deep inside me, I know I’m not going to like what she has to say.

“Hey, everything okay? We aren’t staying late tonight? I could come to your place if⁠—”

She won’t look at me and stands with her arms folded across her chest as if she’s trying to hold herself together.

“Um, I don’t think... I can’t, Holden.” Her voice breaks on my name.

My heart rate kicks up, and I drop my bag on the floor. The need to touch her, to connect, suddenly consumes me. I reach out and grasp her elbows. She allows it for a few seconds, then closes her eyes and pulls away.

“Hey? Lizette, what’s going on here? Did I do something wrong?”

She sucks in a deep breath, then exhales slowly and looks up at me. That's when I notice the redness around her eyes. Has she been crying?

“Holden, I’m sorry if I misled you, but I can’t keep doing this. It’s... It’s not what I—” She pauses, then breaks eye contact. “It’s not what I want.”