like. “But what about—”
“School will be over in less than a week.” He waves a hand. “I’ll call them on Monday, but with your grades, I’m sure everything will be fine.”
Jace. What. About. Jace?
“Jace.” My voice cracks. “I have to—”
“Stop being so dramatic,” Savannah whines. “You and your little buddy can still keep in touch. It’s why God created Instagram and Facetime.”
My dad chuckles like it’s the funniest thing he’s ever heard.
Anger rolls through me and I clench my hands into fists. “How can you just rip me out of my childhood home and away from all my friends without giving me a chance to say goodbye?”
Hot tears run down my face. How can the best night of my life turn into the worst?
Savannah clicks her tongue as she applies her lipstick. “Really, Dylan, can you try to be happy for your father? This is an amazing opportunity.” I don’t miss the daggers she glares at me as she kisses a tissue. “He’s done nothing but work his butt off so he could give you everything you ever wanted. It’s the least you can do.”
My dad beams.
He’s ruining my life and he’s freaking lighting up like a Christmas tree.
This is a nightmare.
“How the hell would you know, you stupid bitch? You’ve barely even known him a year.”
And in that short time, my father’s personality did a complete one-eighty…all because of her.
I know he misses my mom—I miss her too—but Savannah and moving isn’t the answer.
Royal Manor is all I know. My parents specifically chose to raise me here because my mom loved it.
Why is he destroying her memory?
“Watch your mouth,” my father barks.
“How dare you talk to me like that.” Savannah whirls around in her seat. “Whether you like it or not, I’m going to be your mother soon and I won’t tolerate having a spoiled brat who talks like a sailor for a daughter.”
My nails dig into my palms so hard I break the skin. She’s crossed the line.
“You’ll never be my mother. You’re nothing but a gold-digging whore my dad screws because he’s lonely and misses her.”
She gasps and my father slams on the brakes so hard I hit the seat in front of me.
He pivots around. “That’s enough, Dylan.”
“I hate you.” I try to open the door, but it’s locked. “Let me out.”
I can run back and beg Mr. Covington to let me live with him. It’s not like my dad will care. If anything, not having me around will be less of a headache for him.
His forehead crinkles. “I’m sorry you didn’t get to say goodbye to your friends, but this is the opportunity of a lifetime. I thought I’d have more time to prepare, but they need me to start right away. I don’t have a choice.” He reaches for my hand but I pull away. “Tator tot—”
“I’m not your fucking tator tot.”
As of tonight, I’m not even your daughter anymore.
My tears are coming down so fast they soak the front of my dress.
“Would you stop acting like such a baby!” Savannah snaps. “I’ve never met someone so ungrateful in my life.” She looks at my father. “If she keeps this behavior up, we should start searching for boarding schools.”
He clasps Savannah’s knee. “Relax. She’s just…it’s a lot. Dylan’s not usually disobedient. She’s a good girl.”
He says it like I’m the freaking family pet.
Not to mention, how in the world would he know how I usually am? We haven’t had a conversation longer than three minutes since my mom died.
“Please, baby,” my father pleads. “I need this.” Despite my resistance, he reaches for my hand again. “We need this. It’s a fresh start for both of us.”
“I don’t want a fresh start.”
I want the home where my favorite memories with my mom are.
I want my best friend.
Chapter 29
Dylan
“You sure your little boyfriend doesn’t mind me stealing you away for the night?” Oakley questions as we head for the table full of booze in Christian’s living room.
“First of all, he’s not my boyfriend. Second, even if he did mind, it wouldn’t change anything. I’d still be here.”
Truth be told, Tommy and I had plans tonight, but when Oakley asked if I’d go with him to Jace’s birthday party and be his DD, I didn’t give it a second thought.
Not only because I care about my bonehead cousin and want him to be safe, but Tommy’s becoming a little too clingy.
I’m hoping some space will tone things down.
“I still don’t approve,” he murmurs with a shake of