Chapter Twenty-Four
Damian
I pace in my room, running my hand down my face. What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I get her out of my head?
The way she gushed about Axel during our lesson today and how excited she got when he texted her made me feel…I’m not sure how. Like I wanted to gather her in my arms and take her away from him. But why on earth would I do that? He’ll be her boyfriend soon. Who am I to get in the way of that?
Because there’s something that doesn’t sit well with me, something I can’t explain.
Maybe because she’s obsessing over that guy?
But isn’t that normal when you’re getting to know someone?
Of course you’re eager to spend time with them and learn all you can about them.
Sophie claims she feels like this is the guy for her.
She’s smart and knows what she wants. So if she says he’s for her, then he’s for her.
But yet, there’s this inkling in the back of my mind. Maybe because I don’t know the guy? Why should that matter? I’m not her dad or brother. It’s not my responsibility to watch over her.
Plopping down, I bend forward and let out a breath. Maybe I’m denying it, but I think I’m going crazy because I don’t like the thought of her with…
I shut my eyes. What in the world am I admitting? Sure, she’s fun and kind and we have a great time together, and I appreciate all that she has done for me. And I can’t deny the spark between us every time we touch. But so what?
I mean, I wouldn’t mind if we spent time together outside the classroom. As friends. Yes, friends.
My teeth clench. I seriously have no idea what’s wrong with me. She found her real-life Romeo. Why am I acting like such a jerk?
The only thing that can stop me from my neurotic thoughts is drawing. So I take out my sketchpad and let myself get lost in my artwork.
No more than a few minutes pass and I’m thinking about her again. Darn it.
Maybe the only way to rid myself of these crazy thoughts and feelings is to go to the party and see for myself that the guy is good to her.
Placing my art things on my desk, I grab my keys and head for the door. Mom’s in the middle of coming up the stairs and we nearly collide with each other.
“Damian. Are you going somewhere?”
“Out.”
She waits for me to tell her where. She’s never asked me before.
“Just out.”
She hesitates. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about your father.”
My throat tightens. “What about him?”
“You have to understand what happened between us. We weren’t right for each other. That’s why we got divorced and went our separate ways.”
I study her face. “Doesn’t seem like you regret it.”
She doesn’t say anything for a bit, then, “You have to let go of this grudge you have against me. There’s so much you don’t understand.”
“But I do understand. You chose your empire over your husband and son.”
She purses her lips.
“Tell me I’m wrong.”
“If you’d let me explain—”
I take a deep breath and let it out. “But there’s nothing to explain.
You made a choice, I get that. Everyone is free to make a choice, but you lost me and you lost Dad.
He asked you to see him when he was on his deathbed, but you didn’t go.
You just abandoned him. And now you’re trying to mold me into your perfect son.
I don’t want any of it. And if that’s what it takes for you to love me, then I’m done. ”
Her nostrils flare. “Damian, I won’t accept this attitude from you.”
Right. She cares more about my attitude than about the reason for my attitude. “I need to be somewhere.”
She doesn’t try to stop me as I stomp down the stairs and out the door.
I thought maybe she’d chase after me and make more of an effort to explain, but she just gave up.
And maybe she doesn’t even have to explain.
It’s pretty straightforward. She didn’t choose me or Dad.
And the only reason she cares now is because of her name and reputation.
She wants a different kid, not the one she’s stuck with.
I place my helmet on and climb onto my bike, kicking it into gear and zooming off. I make it to Justin’s party within minutes and enter the house.
Parties aren’t my thing. I went to a few last year, but I wasn’t really interested. Then Dad got sick and I devoted my time to taking care of him.
The place is crowded and I push my way through the people, searching for Sophie and the guy whom I have no idea what he looks like.
It’s not long before I see them chatting in the corner of the room. She’s looking at him like she’s soaking each and every word that leaves his mouth. And he looks at her like she’s the most special thing in his life.
I feel like a total idiot. Why would I assume he’s not good for her? It’s clear the guy is crazy about her. And Sophie knows how to take care of herself.
As I watch them, my throat tightens again. She looks so happy. No, more than happy. I haven’t known her for long, but this is the happiest I’ve ever seen her. When I said she was glowing before? It’s nothing compared to how she looks now.
When they go to the dance floor to dance, the guy doesn’t touch her in a way that would make her uncomfortable. Actually, he’s making her feel so at ease because she looks insecure as she tries to dance. He’s being very sweet to her.
My thoughts travel to another time and place where, instead of Axel, I’m the one dancing with her. And then, the music slows down and she’s in my arms, staring up at me like I’m her world.
Shaking my head, I stop my thoughts before they go too far. “Idiot,” I mutter under my breath.
After watching her bright smile for a few more minutes and feeling happy for her, I turn around and leave the house. I don’t want to go back home, so I take my bike for a drive.
I try not to think about her, but of course I do.