Chapter 9
Tanner looked like absolute hell–dark circles under his eyes, hair disheveled like he’d slept in his car
He was carrying a bag from my favorite bakery.
I stood frozen in the doorway, making no move to let him in.]
But he pushed past me anyway, walking into my house like he owned the place.]
At the dining table, he set down the pastries and reached out to ruffle my hair–our old routine.
I dodged his hand like it was on fire.
“Well, well Someone’s gotten feisty lately.”
“Ignoring all my texts, screening my calls…“]
“What, you waiting for me to book our graduation trip without you so you can come crying after me?”
Tanner carefully unpacked a small cake, cutting it into bite–sized pieces before holding it out to me
“Come on, quit the attitude. I drove across town this morning just to get your favorite.”
“Eat up. I know you’ve been craving this. After, we can finalize our Alaska plans.“[]
didn’t take the cake.
He looked at me with that patronizing smile, trying to feed me directly with the fork. I stepped back.
“Fine, your highness. We don’t have to eat night now.“[
“You’ve always talked about seeing Alaska, but we never had time for a trip that long. Perfect graduation adventure.“]
“I already talked to Connor and the guys–we’ll rent a couple cars, make it a group thing. Just the two of us would be boring anyway.
I shook my head, my throat tight with rage.
“I’m not going. You have fun though.”
“I need to head out soon, so if you could leave…“]
Tanner blinked, genuinely confused. []
“Why not? You’ve been obsessing over this trip for years. You’re really gonna skip it just to spite me?]
He set down the cake and reached to pull me into a hug
When I dodged him, he snatched my phone with his other hand–smooth as a pickpocket
Stop being such a brat, okay? I’m hungover as hell and dragged myself out of
ut of bed early just
early just to come see you. I’m exhausted.”
My voice came out sharper than broken glass. “Nobody asked you to. And I don’t need you to.”
Tanner’s jaw tightened. Then tell me what your fucking problem is.“[]
I stared at him, incredulous, my hands shaking with fury. []
“If you actually wanted my input, you wouldn’t plan the whole trip and then ask me last–minute.”
“Besides, isn’t this perfect? Harper will obviously go with you–why do you need me there playing third wheel to your happiness?
Tanner exhaled slowly.
I recognized that look–his patience wearing razor–thin.
“Yes, Harper’s coming. She’s always wanted to see Alaska too.” ||
“But she’s not the only girl going. Besides you two, Connor’s girlfriend is coming.“]
“Why are you so obsessed with her? What did she ever do to you? With her family situation, she hasn’t been on a real vacation in years. Now that we’re graduating, why can’t she spend her own money to join us? Alaska’s massive–there’s room for one more person, isn’t there?”
Tanner seemed genuinely exhausted, his filter completely gone.]]
The casual way he dismissed my feelings made me want to scream.
“Sure, absolutely. Take whoever you want. I’m not going.
Tanner’s own anger erupted. []
“Last chance, Calista. I’ve bent over backwards trying to fix whatever this tantrum is.”
“I already bought your plane ticket. We’re meeting at the airport tomorrow morning.”
“Whether you show up or not is on you.“]
He slammed my phone down the table hard enough to make me finch, then stormed toward the door!
I didn’t try to stop lum–didn’t trust myself not to throw something at his head.
I followed just to lock the door beland him
Tanner was livid.
Before I could close the door, his face was thunderous as he delivered one final
blow:[]
With that attin
attitude, I don’t know how you’re gonna survive college when you’re all alone down south.”
