65. Chapter 65
Chapter 65
Sloane
B illy leaves us, and I turn to Tyler, absolutely stunned. "Hey," I manage to say just above a whisper.
He smiles. I melt. "Hey." His eyes light up, and this warms my insides. I always think Tyler looks good and tonight is no exception. He’s wearing jeans, a white T-shirt, and black Chuck Taylor sneakers and he takes my breath away. There is just something about a guy in a white T-shirt and jeans.
"Tyler!" I hear from behind me. I recognize the voice immediately and want to scream. I turn and see Amber walking toward us.
I guess it's because we've graduated and I don't care anymore, but I don't hold back. "Amber, now is not a good time." I almost don't recognize the stern tone coming out of my mouth. It sounds like I'm talking to a child. "I'm done with all your bullying."
A mix of surprise and concern washes over Amber's face and her eyes soften. "I'm so sorry. This will just take a minute."
"We really are in the middle of something," Tyler says firmly but way nicer than me.
"I wanted to talk to both of you," Amber's eyes are pleading as she searches our faces. "I want to apologize." She looks at me. "And thank you both for what you did for me on spring break."
I feel my eyes go wide and I look at Tyler whose mouth has dropped open, though I'm sure he's not nearly as shocked as I am. I'm stunned speechless.
Amber continues. "Thank you so much for getting me home that night." She looks down at her fidgeting hands, then back up at us. "And for not telling people that it was me."
Tyler and I share a glance. "Of course," I manage to say. "No one deserves that."
"It was Sloane who got you away from the guys and down the beach. I happened to walk by at the right time."
Amber's eyes grow wide, and, are those tears? Amber blinks back her tears as her wet eyes look at me with sincere regret. "Sloane, I am so sorry. After how mean I've been to you. I can't believe you would want to help me."
I feel my shoulders soften. "I wouldn't want to see that happen to anyone, Amber." I pause. "But, why have you given me such a hard time throughout high school? I've known you since first grade."
Amber bows her head and fidgets with her fingers some more. She looks at me and shrugs. "I guess I was intimidated by you."
I scoff. "What? Why?"
"I don't know. You're pretty, athletic, you always did so well at Field Day," she jokes and reminds me how competitive I was during Field Day. "And, you are just so nice to everyone. I guess, I just felt bad around you because…I'm not that nice."
To say that I'm in shock is an understatement. "Wow. Um, well, that's just how I am."
"I know, and I think I really envied that." Amber looks at me hopefully. "Will you accept my apology?"
I inhale a deep breath. "Of course, but Amber, you have to know how miserable you made me. Especially this year. That's not cool."
Amber nods solemnly. "I know. I truly am sorry…and grateful for you." She looks at Tyler. "Both of you."
Tyler smiles slightly. "Of course," he says softly. She looks between the two of us. "I'll, um, leave you alone now." She smiles sincerely. "Thanks again."
We watch Amber walk away, then I turn to Tyler. "Well, that was…pleasantly surprising."
Tyler huffs out a laugh. "Seriously." He turns to me. "That's cool she finally apologized."
"Yeah," I nod. "It's about time." This makes Tyler laugh for real. "I'm sorry to hear about you and Sara," I say sincerely.
Tyler looks at the ground and toes at the dirt with his sneaker. "Yeah, it probably should have happened sooner. Things weren't going that great for a while, and I think we both felt like we had to make it work, to do all those senior year milestones together, you know?"
I exhale a laugh. "Well, I don't really know, but, yes, I can understand." I look around at the people milling about around us.
Tyler notices. "Wanna go somewhere more private?"
I nod. Tyler reaches out his hand, and I take it. Oh my gosh, how can holding a hand spark so much energy inside of me? I can’t believe I’m holding Tyler Finlay’s hand!