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“I’m so happy for you,” he says and I bury my fingers in his hair.
“Thank you,” I say and he puts me down. “Really, thank you for driving me and waiting in the car.”
He assures me that it’s no problem, and as we both climb into the car he asks, “What do you want to do for the rest of the afternoon?”
“Go back to school, of course; we can still make it to Literature.”
“Really? I bet we could find something much more fun to do.”
“No, I’ve already missed too many classes this week; I don’t want to miss any more. I’m going to Literature, and so should you.” I smile.
He rolls his eyes but nods in agreement.
We make it just in time for class and I gush to Landon about the internship. He congratulates me and gives me a tight hug. Hardin rudely makes gagging noises behind us and I kick back at his leg.
After class Hardin walks out with Landon and me as we discuss the details of the bonfire this Friday. I agree to meet Landon at his house at five for dinner and then we’ll go to the bonfire at seven. Hardin stays quiet during our discussion, and I wonder if he will accompany me. He said at one point he would go, but I’m pretty sure that was only to compete with Zed. Landon says his goodbyes as we reach the parking lot and walks off, whistling.
“Scott!” someone calls. We both turn around to see Nate and Molly walking toward us. Great, Molly. She is wearing a tank top and a red leather skirt. It’s only Tuesday and she’s already almost used up her skank quota for the week. She should save that stuff for the weekends.
“Hey,” Hardin says and takes a step away from me.
“Hey, Tessa,” Molly says in return.
I return her greeting and stand awkwardly as Hardin and Nate exchange hellos.
“You’re ready, right?” Nate asks him, and it becomes clear that Hardin told them to meet him here. I don’t know why I had assumed we would hang out again; it’s not like we can spend every day together, but he could have said something.
“Yeah, I’m ready,” Hardin tells them and looks at me. “See you around, Tessa,” he casually says and walks off with them. Molly looks back at me with a smirk on her makeup-covered face as she climbs into the passenger seat of Hardin’s car and Nate gets in back.
And I stand on the pavement and wonder what the hell just happened.
Chapter fifty-eight
During my walk back to my room I realize how foolish I have been, expecting Hardin to be different than before. I should have known better. I should have known that this was too good to be true. Hardin kissing me in front of Landon, Hardin being nice and wanting “more.” Hardin telling me about his childhood. I should have known that as soon as his friends came along he would go right back to the Hardin that up until two weeks ago I despised.
“Hey, girl! You coming tonight?” Steph asks as I walk into our room. Tristan is sitting on her bed staring at her in the adoring way I wish Hardin would stare at me.
“No, I’m going to study,” I say. It’s nice to know that everyone was invited, yet Hardin didn’t see fit to even mention the party to me. Probably so he could hang out with Molly without any distractions.
“Oh come on! It will be fun. Hardin will be there.” She smiles and I force one back to her.
“Really, it’s okay. I need to call my mother and catch up with her and plan my assignments for next week.”
“Laaaame!” Steph teases and grabs her purse. “Suit yourself. I’ll be out all night, so if you need anything let me know,” she says and hugs me goodbye.
I call my mother and tell her about my internship, and of course she is beyond pleased by my amazing opportunity. I leave Hardin out of the explanation, but I do mention Ken, though I say he is Landon’s soon-to-be stepfather, which is true. She asks about Noah and me, but I dodge her questions. I’m surprised and grateful to find that Noah hasn’t told my mother everything. He doesn’t owe me anything, but I’m thankful for his omission. After listening to her talk for far too long about her new coworker, who she believes is having an affair with her boss, I finally tell her I really need to study and I get off the phone. Immediately, my mind goes back to Hardin, as always. My life was much more simple before I met Hardin, and now after . . . it is complicated and stressful, and I am either extremely happy or there is this burning in my chest when I think of him with Molly.
I will go insane if I just sit here, and it’s only six o’clock by the time I give up trying to study. Maybe I should go for a walk? I really need some more friends. I grab my phone and call Landon.
“Hey, Tessa!” His voice is friendly and soothes some of my anxiety.
“Hey, Landon, are you busy?” I ask him.
“No, just watching the game. Why, is something wrong?”
“No, I was just wondering if maybe I could come over and hang out . . . or maybe if your mom doesn’t mind I could take her up on those baking lessons.” I let out a weak laugh.
“Yeah, of course. She would love that—I’ll let her know you’re coming.”
“Okay, the next bus isn’t for thirty minutes, but I will be there as soon as I can,” I tell him.
“Bus? Oh yeah, I forgot you haven’t found a car. I will come get you.”
“No, really, it’s okay. I don’t mind, I don’t want you to go out of your way.”
“Tessa, it’s less than ten miles. I’ll leave now,” he says and I finally agree.
I grab my purse and check my phone one last time. Of course Hardin hasn’t texted or called me. I hate the way I feel dependent on him, especially when I obviously can’t depend on him.