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“Then what is this about? Why do you hate me so much? What did I do? How can I fix this?”
He doesn’t say anything so I push it a step further. “What did you say to Serena? She means something to me, Griffin. I know you hate me, and you think I’m the root of everything that’s wrong in your life, but…Serena makes me happy and she ran out of here this morning like the place was on fire.”
“Is that what all this is about? Your toy is mad at you?”
“Watch yourself, Griffin Michael,” I scold him. “God, who are you? You’re not the boy I raised.”
“You’re right, I’m not. Must be why you found a new kid to raise.” He snorts as he leaves the room, but I don’t go after him, because I’m sure if I do, I’ll kill him.
And that is definitely a lot of paperwork.
Griffin didn’t come out of his room for most of the day. I didn’t want him to starve, despite how angry I am with him, so I dropped his favorite from the Chinese takeout place we used to order from in front of his door and went back downstairs to wallow in my self-pity over not talking to Serena all day.
I stare at our conversation from the past four hours that has basically been me just talking to myself.
Me: Hey
Me: Did you make it to the library?
Me: Are you coming back tonight?
Me: Whatever is wrong, we can fix it. Just talk to me.
Me: Why are you so angry at me? What the hell did I do?
I let out a sigh as I toss my phone next to me and put my hand over my eyes. Why is everyone so angry at me? Have I really put so much bad karma out there?
Yes, a voice speaks back to me and I scoff. The shit post-separation doesn’t count. What did I do to make Griffin hate me? Why is Serena so pissed? Yes, I don’t have the best track record with women, but that doesn’t have shit to do with Griffin. And I worship the ground Serena Mitchell walks on, so what the hell does that have to do with her? She knows she’s different.
And you know Griffin said something to her.
My phone pings and I scramble to see if it’s Serena, making me feel like a teenage girl. Who have I become?
Bambi: Sorry, my phone is on Do Not Disturb when I’m in the library. I’m not angry. I just…I think we’re making a mistake.
My heart drops when I read her words.
Me: What? Baby, talk to me. What’s this about?
Bambi: I would never ask you to choose me over anything. Griffin, work, your friendship with my dad…those things might be in jeopardy if we stay together.
Me: And you’re doing this via text? Are you serious right now?
She doesn’t mean it. You don’t mean it, Serena.
Bambi: I’m sorry, you’re right. I can call you when I leave.
Me: I need to see you.
Bambi: I’m at the library.
Me: Leave.
Bambi: I can’t…
Me: Then I’m coming there.
A few minutes later, my phone whirls to life and I answer it instantly.
“Landon, don’t come here, please,” she pleads.
“Why?”
“Because I’m busy.”
Busy. I understood busy. I knew the word well. But, coming from her felt like a punch in the gut. “What’s going on with us?” She’s silent and my heart begins to race. “Serena, I can’t do this if you’re going to freak out every time someone takes an issue with our relationship. We knew this was going to be difficult. But if we’re going to be together, I need you in this with me. Are you?”
She sniffles and I can just picture her with tears in her eyes in her own corner of the library trying to remain quiet. “Landon…I’ll call you when I’m leaving the library, okay? I promise.”
“Fine,” I tell her as I grab my keys and my jacket. The call has barely ended before I’m in the car.
