Chapter 24 He Loves You
HE LOVES YOU
We’re standing in the driveway when I see the headlights of Tate’s new truck bumping over gravel.
A lot has changed with Tate over the last six months.
He moved out of his parents’ house, and got an apartment, which was huge.
Also, apparently, he and Laura are really serious considering they’re spending the night together in that apartment.
I don’t know why, but I’m moody. I’m moody that Tate gets to be all grown up while I’m stuck in this in-between place. I’m moody that he gets to spend his nights with Laura while I get to spend mine missing Holt.
And I’m moody that he’s disappointed with me for calling him. For getting into a situation where I needed to call at all.
I’m just moody, so when the truck pulls to a stop in front of me and Tate gets out, I can’t quite check the scowl I flash at him. His brows arc high, like he’s surprised by the tude I’m dishing out.
Frankly, I am too.
All around, I’m pissed. I’m pissed that Holt isn’t here and I was stuck calling on his brother when I really wanted to call on him.
And the truth is that I’m sick of always feeling second to hockey.
Tate’s jaw pops as he opens the back door of his truck for Andy and Shy. Both girls mutter a quick ‘thanks,’ as they climb inside. I’m about to follow when Tate grabs me by the back of my shirt and pulls me away.
The truck door slams closed, and he spins me to face him, demanding low, “What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing.” I’m never drinking again.
“I’m here because you called me, Faye.”
“Yeah, and you brought all your disappointment with you,” I snap. “You could have just said no. I’m not yours to rescue.”
His jaw pops. “Then why’d you call me?”
My mouth snaps shut. I can’t believe he said that.
I can’t believe I said what I said.
What is happening right now? “You’re my boyfriend’s brother, but you’re like family to me. Like a big brother and I—I called you because I thought I could.”
“Fuck.” He slides his palm down his face. It’s a rough move that makes him look a little wild. “I’m not disappointed in you, Faye.”
“It sounded like you were.” My nose is burning with emotion. I’ve never felt so unstable.
“I’m not.” The words fall roughly between us. Like he’s trying to convince me of something he doesn’t believe himself.
I feel like crap. “Right.”
“Hey.” He catches me when I try to turn away. “I’ll always come for you, Faye. You’re right, you’re family. If you need me, I want you to feel comfortable calling me. Always.”
I don’t know if it’s the liquor, missing Holt, or hormones. But tears prick my eyes and my chin quivers. “Kay.”
“Hey, what’s this now?” I think he’s going to touch me again, but he folds his arms instead.
“I’m just tired, Tate.” His brows pull together, and I admit to him what I haven’t admitted to anyone else. Not even Andy. “I’m so tired of coming second to hockey. All the time, Tate. All the time.”
A tear slips free to scorch a trail of shame down my face. Tate tracks it with those seeing green eyes.
He tells me roughly what he always tells me. “He loves you, Faye.”
I force myself to nod. “I know. And I love him.”
Tate opens the back door for me, and I climb silently inside. I catch Laura’s frown as she takes in my tears, before she knocks the back of her hand into Tate’s arm.
She thinks he gave me shit for calling him. Now she’s giving him shit.
And he lets her.