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He shakes his head sadly, pulling me into his arms. “I promise things are going to get better. Everything happens for a reason, hun.”

I let him hold me, because I don’t know what else to do. My world is crumbling down around me. I wanted something to change in my life, but this … this isn’t what I imagined.

If I thought I felt alone before, it’s nothing compared to how I’m feeling right now. The betrayal. They shoved me from the shore with no shelter to protect me from the elements, and with no paddle to steer away from the approaching storm.

He continues to hold me as the day wears on. As dusk approaches, I realize that it’s me holding onto him. I slowly remove my arms from around his waist.

“Where is everyone?” I ask.

“They’re sitting outside. Do you want to join them? I think Dirk was grilling some steaks.”

“No. You can go out. I’m not hungry.”

“You need to eat.”

I laugh lightly. “What I really need is to go home.” As soon as I say it, I realize I don’t have a home anymore.

His face softens. “You’ll be home before you know it. But I want you to make the most of your time here. Dirk and Jesse have been through some shit themselves. Talk to them.”

I don’t comment on that. “When will you be back?” Maybe I can convince him to bring my stuff next time he comes.

He runs his hands through his hair. “I don’t know. Elizabeth has been going through a tough time.”

“Oh, that’s okay. You should get back to her. I’ll see you when I see you,” I say, getting up and waving to him. “Have a safe trip.”

“Lex.”

His voice fades as I run up the stairs.

Chapter Seven

Lexie

I’m having a stare off with the two boxes on the table at breakfast.

I was so happy when everyone left me alone last night, but here we are, right back where we left off.

“This is ridiculous, you know?”

“Is it?” Dirk asks, stirring his coffee.

“This is a waste of everyone’s time, especially yours.” I point to the two of them. “Since I no longer have a home, I think I should get back and start making plans.”

“You have a home. Didn’t you listen to anything JD said yesterday?”

I open my mouth, but his left eyebrow rises, silencing me. “If for some reason that doesn’t work out, you’re always welcome at the warehouse,” he says.

“But there will be rules,” Jesse reminds me.

“I followed the rules at my parent’s house and look how that turned out.”

“Lexie, when was the last time you had a conversation with either of your parents?” Dirk asks.

“I don’t remember, but we do email all the time.”

“What was the last thing you talked about? Show me. Pull up the email on the phone.”

He tugs my phone out of his pocket and slides it over to me. I quickly scroll through all the notifications from my friends. Most are from guys wanting to hook up. My heart falls when I don’t find one message or missed call from my family.