Chapter 7
When I saw her in that restaurant, I knew. I could get to know her without the crap of everyone at school hassling me.
All my life, it had been a curse. Anyone I liked, girls or boys, only wanted to be friends because of my money. Party this, or football tickets that. I was their personal fucking Santa Claus. It was pathetic.
And it only got worse as I got older.
I wasn’t a friend. I was their rich friend. Which meant I got the shit end of the deal on both fronts. And maybe, as I got older, there could’ve been genuine friends, but I didn’t trust that. I never felt like they were there for me. So, I leaned into it. I became the pissed-off kid because I was. Although sad was probably closer to the truth.
Mum constantly asked why I didn’t bring a girl home. Bring her to this or that party, she’d offer. Wouldn’t the Emersons enjoy meeting your girl, Arch? That’s all I heard.
And it made me hate the idea of having someone special. Because she wouldn’t just be for me. She’d be a showpiece for my fucking mum. And my dad? Well, his affairs weren’t a secret. I hated the idea that he’d look at a girl my age, but he’s that much of an arsehole, he would.
And Anna didn’t deserve any of that.
She was sweet and kind but never seemed to be interested in me — not enough to do anything about her feelings, anyway. Not like half the girls at school who thought I’d like them shoving themselves in my face.
Anna was beautiful. My chest raced when I caught her looking. And I wanted to smile for her. The only girl in the fucking world who made me want to do that.
And I fucking hated every minute of being apart from her.
It was like she’d infected me with everything good about her. And worse, I hated myself for treating her like I did and being an utter wanker for trying to have her to myself when it suited me.
She should have tossed me aside and found someone else. Someone who’d treat her well from the start, but as I stood and held her neck, felt her racing pulse as I kissed her harder, I knew she wouldn’t.
And I know I’m utterly done for.
It killed me to pretend after our first kiss.
I won’t survive trying to forget our second, and I don’t fucking want to.
She’s mine now.
The only girl I’ve ever cared enough for.
No more messing around.
And I really fucking hope she’ll forgive me for everything that comes with having me as her boyfriend.