Chapter 6

"Hey, over here!" Gary waved at me as I stepped out of the station.

"You must be exhausted. My mom called and said she's feeling a lot better- it's all because of you." Gary reached out and took my suitcase.

How had I never realized he could twist the truth so easily?

His arms were tanned, the skin under his watch a stark contrast. Clearly, he'd been enjoying himself.

"What are you doing here?" I already knew from the PI they were coming back today- I'd planned it just right.

"I figured you'd be tired. And it's your birthday today- forgot already?" he said with that gentle, practiced smile.

I slid into the passenger seat like always, pretending not to see the hesitation flicker across Gary's face.

"Dad, look! That's Ms. Chapman. Let's give her a ride!" Harley shouted excitedly, pointing out the window.

I caught them exchanging a glance in the rearview mirror. I turned to stare out the window, tuning out Gary and Zoey's small talk.

Our eyes met when Zoey opened the passenger door. She hesitated, caught off guard.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean anything by it. I just always sit up front," Zoey said, leaving the door open, still looking at me.

"Come on, Kyla, just let her sit here, okay?"

Gary wouldn't meet my eyes.

"Then Zoey can call her own ride," I said flatly, leaning back in my seat. I was done pretending.

"Mom, she's a guest. Can't you be a little more polite?" Harley shouted at me.

"This is my car. I get to choose where I sit, don't I? Open the trunk. I'll call for a ride myself."

With that, I started to get out of the car, but Gary grabbed my wrist.

"The back seat's fine. Zoey, you can sit there," Gary said through clenched teeth, his fingers digging into my wrist.

Pain shot through me. I stayed silent.

Zoey bit her lip, casting an unwilling glance at Gary before moving to the back seat.

"Don't mind my mom, Ms. Chapman. She's just been in a bad mood lately. We're grabbing dinner- why don't you come with us?"

Harley invited Zoey without hesitation.

I stared at Harley in the rearview mirror, and for the first time, regret hit me like a flood.

He wasn't worth everything I gave up.