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“Get in the back,” he commands, gesturing to the back seat with his chin.
“I’m fine,” I lie, stubbornly crossing my arms. I would rather freeze to death than deal with Tristan right now.
But Quinn reaches over and unfastens my seat belt, indicating this conversation is not up for discussion.
I’m not a child, and I most certainly won’t be bossed around like some mindless girlfriend.
However, as a bug the size of a flying saucer comes flying into the car, most likely seeking shelter from the minus-zero conditions, I quickly kick open my door and storm over to the back door and yank it open.
Tristan looks out his window, but I can see his mouth tipped up into a small grin—asshole.
Slamming the door shut behind me, Quinn puts the car into drive, and we’re back onto the highway, hopefully bug-free.
I hate to admit it, but it is a lot warmer back here, and my frostbitten nose and fingers thank me for making the change. But my queasy stomach is definitely not thanking me since Tristan’s aloof behavior makes me uncomfortable.
He still won’t face me as he gazes out the window, and I can’t stop myself as I ask, “Are you mad at me?”
He slowly turns and looks surprised that I’ve addressed him.
I’m not the one with the problem here, he is, and I hate that he won’t talk to me about what’s going on. It’ll be a hell of a lot easier if he just vents or screams at me, but this silence, it’s killing me.
And it’s also pissing me off.
He sighs as he runs a hand down his face. “No, I’m not mad at you,” he replies, but by the angry look contorting his features, I dare say that’s a lie.
“Then what’s up? I’d prefer it if we just got everything out into the open, instead of you looking at me like I’m the Antichrist,” I say, my voice slightly lowered as I don’t want Quinn to hear.
He’s had his turn to talk to Tristan—it’s now my turn.
“I’m sorry for looking at you like you’re the Antichrist.”
I smile because it’s nice to hear him making a joke.
“I just…you and Quinn, I…” But he leaves the sentence open, and I can see him mulling over the right thing to say.
“Tristan, I never meant to hurt you,” I say and bravely reach out to touch his thigh.
He pulls his leg away quickly, and the movement saddens me, as it was never this way between us in the past.
However, I let it go. I know he needs time to process this revelation, so I’ll give him all the time he needs.
“Just know that I adore you, and I value your friendship very much. I just want things to go back to the way they were.”
When Tristan flinches, I know that’s not probable.
“Things will never go back to the way they were.”
I lower my eyes, realizing I’ve sacrificed my friendship with Tristan by choosing Quinn.
“I know, but for what it’s worth, I’m sorry I hurt you,” I whisper, meeting Quinn’s knowledgeable gaze in the rearview mirror as he watches our exchange.
Tristan only scoffs, not believing me, and as he turns to look out the window, I realize that Hank was right again. We do have to make sacrifices for the people we love.
I just hope I’m worth it.
The rest of the journey is traveled in silence until we’re finally here.
I can’t wait to get this over with, as being out here makes me nervous. I’ve already spotted a few patrol cars, and I hate to think how many police are in the actual venue.
