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I have moved on.
"It looks like she may want you back, honey. Can you at least hear her out?"
"I have a girlfriend, Mom. I told you all about Evie this afternoon. I'm not interested in getting back together with Tandy."
"Just think about it," she pleads.
My parents treated Tandy as the daughter they never had. I get why my mom wants me to give her a second chance. If she knew the truth, she would disown her in a heartbeat.
"Sure, Mom," I say to appease her. "I'm going to get some sleep. I'm headed back to campus tomorrow."
"I thought you were here for the weekend."
"The frat is hosting dinner for all the brothers on Saturday. I need to help prep."
Julian roped me into it. At first, I was pissed, but I knew I couldn't say anything. He's keeping my secret. Now I'm appreciative for the excuse to head back early. I just hope Evie can get away sooner as well. It'd be nice to spend tomorrow night with her before our big reveal.
One more night before all hell breaks loose. Because I can't see things turning out any other way. Max's temperament is one-of-a-kind.
"That's nice. Will this girlfriend of yours be there?"
"Yeah, she will. Her brother is the president of the fraternity."
"And that's not a problem?" When I don't respond, my mother continues, reading into the situation the way only a mother can. "You be careful, Leo. People always say it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission, but life is a whole lot easier if you ask for permission. Especially when it comes to matters of the heart."
"I know, Mom. He's not exactly a fan of her dating. And I'm not referring to me. He doesn't want her to date anyone."
"Did he specifically warn you away?"
How the hell does she know these things? Taking a seat on the edge of my bed, I stare up at my mom, unable to hide the shock.
"Leo?" Leaning against the doorjamb, arms crossed over her chest, my mother glares at me as she waits for an answer.
She's barely five foot tall. Still has what she calls 'baby cheeks'. Yet, somehow, she's incredibly intimidating. And it's not just me. She scared the hell out of the entire football team in high school when she caught them attempting to prank our rivals before my senior homecoming game.
They ran back to the locker room with their tails tucked between their legs. Then they played a hell of a game, embarrassing the other team on the field instead of off.
One look is all it takes for me to confess my sins. "He did. But it isn't about him. Evie and I both like each other. Shouldn't that count for something?"
"It counts for a lot, Leo, but make sure you're prepared for the repercussions of your actions. There's probably a good reason he didn't want you involved with his sister."
"He's crazy protective, that's why."
"Even if that's all it is, you have to respect that. She should too."
"What if that means she never gets to date anyone? Ever? Is that okay? Because that seems unfair to her. For him to be able to control her life like that." I can feel myself losing control of my temper. I've done a damn good job of keeping it in check when it comes to Max so far. And I plan to keep myself under control tomorrow. But right now, I want to let it all out.
Every frustration I have.
"Leo, this sounds like something she needs to discuss with her brother. It's between them. Don't get yourself involved in it. It sounds like you really like this girl, but do you see yourself with her in a year? Five years? If not, walking away now might be better for everyone involved."
No, it wouldn't. Not for me. Not for Evie. The only person who would be better off would be Max. And if he wins, everyone else loses.
Still, I nod in understanding. What else can I do?
