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She walks out of my room with the laundry basket, leaving me with my jumbled thoughts. Every time I imagine Colt, my stomach gets tingly and warmth spreads throughout my body. He has such a sweet smile and kind eyes, and he’s so considerate and selfless. I don’t think I would have been able to fix my app without him. He brought me back to Earth when I felt like my world was crashing down. He’s been there for me all this time. And I realize that Mia was right—Colthaschanged me. I’m happier and not as stressed as I used to be. I feel like I’m living more than I had in the past. Things that bothered or annoyed me don’t irritate me anymore. I just feel…better.
But what does it matter? Colt, for themillionthtime, wants Vanessa. I won’t stand in their way.
“Willow?” Mia peeks her head in. “I’m ready to game.”
“Awesome,” I say.
I don’t want to use my sister as a distraction because I really want to play with her and be close to her like when we were younger, but she really is the perfect distraction.
Except, she keeps bringing up Colt. I try not to sigh like the world is coming to an end. How did I let a guy have such a huge effect on me?
Chapter Thirty-Two
Colton
I haven’t stopped smiling since I left Ji-Ho’s. I had a really good time hanging out with Willow’s family. They’re such kind and amazing people. Willow’s very lucky to have them.
Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I’m filled with determination and positivity. I could have that if I push for Dad and me to have a relationship. If that’s what he wants, too, but I have a feeling he does.
When I walk into the house, I make my way to his office and knock on the door. I’m not surprised when he doesn’t answer. I know he’d make any excuse not to talk to me. But that doesn’t stop me from opening the door and entering.
“Hey, Dad.”
He barely glances up at me, just like yesterday. I’m not going to let that deter me, either. If I don’t try again, I might lose my nerve.
“How was your day?” I ask him.
He finally glances up. “Was okay. I’m very busy, Colt.” He looks back down at his papers.
In other words, he doesn’t want me around because I’m just an inconvenience to him.
I drop down on the chair in front of his desk and watch him work. He’s doing whatever he can to avoid me. I don’t get it. I thought I broke down one of his walls last night. I guess I was wrong. But I’m not backing down.
“Dad, please look at me.”
He doesn’t.
“Dad.” I scoot closer to him. “Please don’t shut me out. I know it’s hard that you lost a child, and I miss Bri so, so much. But…I’m still here, Dad. I’malive. I’m not leaving you.”
Dad keeps his gaze on his papers, though his hands tremble.
“I need you, Dad,” I whisper. “Please don’t ignore me.”
I keep my eyes on him for a little while, watching him stare at the papers as though he’s looking through them.
Figuring he’s not going to say anything—maybe he doesn’t care and doesn’t want me in his life—I make my way up to my room like my body can’t support me.
Dropping down at my desk, I stare at the floor. Maybe it’s too late for my dad and me. Maybe I lost my chance at repairing whatever is damaged between us. Maybe if I wasn’t so focused on being Mr. Popular, I would have tried harder with my dad. But after Bri’s death, I distracted myself with my friends and parties and Vanessa.
My phone beeps with a notification.
Congratulations! Your Perfect Match has found you a match!
My eyes widen and I quickly click on the notification. My heart thumps in my chest as I hope for a certain girl’s name to pop up.
Willow Park.
I fall back against my seat with relief.Yes. Willow. I’ve been matched with Willow.
