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We look a lot alike, my dad and I. Same light brown hair. Same green eyes. Same height. I’m practically a carbon copy of him, whereas Jameson is more a mix of our parents. Ironic, considering Jameson is identical to him in every other way. I’ve seen the same polite scowl my dad is aiming at me on my brother’s face before.
He already knows the answer, but it’s not a rhetorical question.
“I’m leaving,” I respond. “Gotta get a good night’s sleep before the early as fuck flight your assistant booked me on.”
“We’re hosting tonight,” he tells me. “It’s rude to leave before the guests.”
“I showed up. I wore the tux. I ate the gross food. I laughed at all the stupid jokes. What else do you want from me, Dad?”
“Leaving early wasn’t the deal, Aidan.”
“Negotiate the terms better next time then. I’ll see you at the wedding. Assuming you and Mom won’t make it to graduation, since none of your snobby friends will be there to judge your parenting.”
“Watch your mouth,” he snaps. “You are part of this family, and tonight is about supporting your brother.”
“He’s marrying my ex-girlfriend. You don’t see how that could be kinda awkward?”
“You and Parker dated as children. She and Jameson are a serious couple.”
Based on the conversation we had out on the terrace, I’d be willing to bet my trust fund that mychildishrelationship with Parker was a hell of a lot more serious than hers and Jameson’s is. As far as I know, she never cheated while she was dating me.
But I know that’s an argument I’ll never win with my father, and I don’t care enough to have it. I meant what I told Parker—I’m over her. I just resent how she’s affected my relationship with my family. How I’ve heard some variation of what my dad just told me from my parents ever since they started dating and how it’s a reminder they always prioritize Jameson over me.
“If you say so. I’m still leaving.”
“Don’t be selfish, Aidan.”
“Coming from the man who threatened to cut me off if I didn’t show up tonight. Who were you thinking about then, Dad? Not me.”
His fake smile falters. He clears his throat, then adjusts his cufflinks. “You’re making a scene, son.”
“If I stay, I’ll make a bigger one. Bar is still open, and I haven’t met all of Parker’s bridesmaids yet…”
My father clicks his tongue with disgust, then turns away. “Fine. Take the car, send the driver back after he drops you off.”
Part of me wants to reject the dismissal and stay anyway. Do exactly what I just threatened to.
But I don’t care enough. Riling up my dad is no longer the fun time it used to be. It seems like a waste of one now. I’d rather have none of his attention than more disappointment and disapproval. And I’m not petty enough to hook up with one of Parker’s bridesmaids just to piss her off. Having sex with a random girl would be about trying to get Rylan out of my head.
“Yes,sir,” I say.
My dad shakes his head at my sarcastic tone. “Grow up, Aidan,” he says. “And roll down the windows on the drive home. You reek of scotch. I don’t want to ride home in a car that smells like a distillery.”
Before I leave the restaurant, I order one last glass. I drain half, then take it with me to the car and spill the rest in the footwell. Slump back against the soft leather seat, staring out at the city lights as we crawl down the street.
Tomorrow, I’ll stop being spiteful.
Tomorrow, I’ll grow up.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
RYLAN
I’m leaning against a computer terminal, talking to one of the girls in my Number Theory class, when I spot him strolling into the library.
There’s a ripple in the air that maybe I’m imagining, but I don’t think I am. A charged presence that I’m only aware of when he’s near.
He spots me and heads this way, prompting a silly little flip in my stomach. Callie’s eyes grow wider and wider as Aidan approaches us, his backpack casually slung over one shoulder and the Rockies cap he sometimes wears on backward.
