I want is to bring some superficial high school relationship crap into it,” I mutter, wanting this conversation to just wither and die.
“Is that seriously how you see us? I really hope not, because I sure as hell don’t feel that way.”
I don’t know how to reply. I don’t actually think our relationship is superficial, but it’s kind of hard to express anything else right now. Especially after finding out he’s had an effing girlfriend this whole time.
I hear him laugh to himself. “I guess I got my answer.”
“I guess so.”
“Dani, we’re going to have to talk about this sooner or later,” he presses, moving closer to me.
“I’d prefer later. Much, much later. After what happened last night, I can’t deal with us too,” I respond, taking a step back.
“What happened last night?” he asks, taking a step forward while trying to get me to look at him.
“Don’t worry about it.”
“What do you mean, ‘don’t worry about it?’ What happened? You can trust me.” He attempts to touch my arm.
I pull away. “Oh, really? I can trust you? That’s frickin’ hilarious, Parker. My sides hurt from laughing so much,” I say, shaking my head at him.
“Don’t be like that. You know I’ve been there for you this whole time—”
“Except when you were with your girlfriend,” I snap, interrupting him again. I’m desperate for this conversation to be over.
He goes silent for a moment and just stares at me. I can see that he’s thinking of a rebuttal, but I’m not sure he has one.
Finally, he says, “I fucked up, okay? Is that what you want to hear? I saw you at that silly Halloween party and all the feelings I had for you came back. Yes, I had a girlfriend—”
“Had?”
“Yeah, had. We broke up when I told her about you and me.”
“As she should’ve,” I reply.
“Okay, I deserve that. But I also think I deserve some trust from you. I think I’ve proven myself lately, sans the girlfriend thing. I don’t want you to go through this alone, Dani.”
I want to believe him so much, but it’s hard. Why does he have to be the only one who knows the truth? Oh yeah, that’s right…because I was the one that freakin’ told him.
I take in a deep breath before my words come spilling out. “We can’t talk here. I don’t want to risk it.”
“Risk what, exactly?”
“Certain people hearing. I have no idea who Unknown is, and for all I know, he or she could go to this school. So, if you’ll please just put this off ‘til later, I’d really appreciate it.”
“Later then?” he asks.
“Sure, whatever. Just drop it for now, please?”
“Well, I guess I better track someone down who has keys to the newspaper office.”
“Probably,” is all I mutter, causing him to look at me and proceed to move past me. I turn to watch him walk away.
Parker waves his hand, but never looks back. “I look forward to our chat.”
I wish I would’ve just gotten everything off my chest right then and there. I’m so effing stubborn sometimes. Not to mention, I have a key to the newspaper room in my bag.
As the bell’s ring echoes throughout the hall, ending first period, I acknowledge that sooner or later my talk with Parker is going to happen. I’m just not sure if I’ll be ready for it when it does.
Chapter Twenty One
Buzz…Buzz…Buzz…Buzz.
That’s all I’ve heard today at work. My dad has been blowing up my phone for the past couple of hours, and all I’m trying to do is occupy my mind with a book while we’re having a slow day. He’s left, like, four voicemails, but I don’t care. I need my me time. He’s probably just making sure I’m coming home right after we close. It’s annoying to say the least, especially since I’m at work. I’m surprised he hasn’t called the front desk to get to me.
“Dani, phone’s for you. It’s your father,” Joan calls out into the aisles.
Spoke too soon.
“Tell him I’ll call him on my break,” I reply.
“He said it’s urgent.”
Pulling my nose out from the book I’m reading, I roll my eyes and groan. “He’s so incorrigible sometimes,” I murmur while standing up.
I pick up the phone and place it to my ear. “Hello, Dad.”
“Why haven’t you answered your phone or returned any of my calls?” he asks, but doesn’t sound mad at all. Actually, he sounds more sad than anything.
“I’m kind of at work right now. I was planning on calling you