Not My Hero - Michelle Heard Page 0,47

the gray bedspread.

I’ve had to be the strong one for so long, and it’s become hard to trust anyone. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to allow someone control over my life.

Mom wants to make up for where she failed us, but I know from experience that she’s no match for my father. I need to get him out of our lives.

Chapter 17

BRIE

I’ve just changed into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt when Colton suddenly shouts, “I’ve never wanted your money.”

My heartbeat begins to speed up, and I dart to the door. Peeking into the hallway, I can hear Colton and Mrs. Lawson talking, and it sounds like she’s crying.

Crap. That can’t be good.

What do I do?

“Why now? Is it because of Brie?” I hear Colton ask.

Am I the reason they’re fighting? Is it because I moved in here?

I can’t hear Mrs. Lawson’s reply, and it makes me anxious. I don’t want to be the reason for them fighting.

My hands begin to tremble, and I clasp them tightly together. I take a step backward as my anxiety spikes.

Minutes later, I hear Colton say, “I’m going to change. I’m taking Brie out so she can show me the town. I think it would do her good.”

“Maybe go see a movie,” Mrs. Lawson replies.

“If Brie wants to.”

When Colton comes out of his mom’s room, I dart deeper into my room, so he doesn’t catch me eavesdropping and nervously gnaw at my bottom lip.

Shoot, what do I do now?

Uncertainty fills me, but I know I can’t hide like a coward. My eyes anxiously dart around the room, and a sinking feeling inside me makes it feel as if my stomach is being sucked into a pit.

I need to find out if it’s because of me. As much as I don’t want to, I’d rather go back to my mother than cause Colton and Mrs. Lawson problems.

It’s the right thing to do, but…

I don’t want to go back to my mother.

Feeling at a total loss, my mind races for a solution.

Maybe I can… crap, I don’t know.

Hopefully, I can find a job soon, and I’ll only have to live with my mother until I’ve saved enough to afford my own place?

I inch closer to the hallway and glance at Mrs. Lawson’s closed door, then I turn my gaze to Colton’s. Quietly, I creep closer to Colton’s room. I bring up my hand but hesitate.

I don’t want them fighting because of me.

I bite my bottom lip again, and gathering up the courage, I knock on Colton’s door.

“Yeah?”

I nudge the door open and see Colton lying on his bed with his legs draped over the side.

“Ah…” I begin, but the words dry up in my throat.

I really don’t want to leave.

Colton glances at me, then sits up and mutters, “Oh, hey. Are you ready? Give me a second, and I’ll change out of my school clothes.”

Colton gets up from his bed and walks toward his closet. I shake my head, still clutching the doorknob.

I also can’t stay if it’s causing problems. I can’t do that to them after they’ve been so kind to me.

“I… I didn’t mean to, but I overheard… the fight,” I stammer.

Colton lets out a sigh and shakes his head. “Sorry about that.” He lifts his eyes to where I am, and they look tired.

I don’t want to hurt him in any way, and it gives me the strength to say, “I don’t want to cause you any trouble. I’ll move out.”

A frown instantly forms on his face. “What?” He walks to where I’m still standing by the door. “Why would you say that?”

“I… overheard,” I mutter. “You asked your mom if it’s because of me. I didn’t hear the rest, but I… I don’t want to disrupt your lives.”

Colton lifts his hand and rubs the spot between his eyes. “It wasn’t about you.” He lets out another tired sigh. “My father called. He’s being a dick.”

Oh.

That changes things.

I’m relieved, and now that I don’t have to worry about moving out today, I see the ache in Colton’s eyes. “I’m sorry,” I whisper as I push the door fully open. Closing the distance between us, I wrap my arms around his waist, and I hug him as tightly as I can.

A heartbeat passes before Colton hugs me back. He lowers his head, burying his face in my neck. We stand like that for the longest time before I pull a little back. Catching Colton’s eyes, I ask, “Do you want to