Page 183 of Next to Everything We Wanted

“I’m sorry I insulted you. I shouldn’t have let my anger get to me.”

His gaze dropped to the floor. “I understand.”

Phoenix nodded at us before leaving the room, shutting the door behind him.

Forrest crossed his arms over his chest. “So, are you taking the rest of your stuff to California? Or are you moving somewhere else? I have the moving papers out on the dining table.”

“I’m not sure where I’m going.” I scratched the back of my neck. I really should’ve come up with a plan instead of standing here like an idiot. “I just wanted to apologize and make sure you’re okay.”

“Make sureI’mokay? You’re the one who drove away in the middle of the night.”

“Well, no one stopped me.” I thought about how Phoenix hadn’t followed me out of the apartment. He’d given up on me the way I’d given up on everyone. On myself. “That was the worst night of my life.”

“Surprisingly, it wasn’t the worst of mine.” Forrest sighed, folding his arms over his chest. “I won’t lie, I hated your guts for two days straight. But yesterday, I started thinking that maybe you were right about me. I should’ve expressed myself differently. I was angry,hurt. No one listened to me, and it made me feel like a piece of toilet paper.”

“You’re a bit better than a piece of toilet paper.” I gave him a small smile. “Maybe a paper towel.”

He rolled his eyes. “Such an upgrade.”

I chuckled before collecting myself. Right, we were supposed to be serious. “I’m sorry for making you feel that way,” I said. “I shouldn’t have changed the entire course of the band over a girl.”

He nodded. “You know, I stopped by What Do You Bean to talk to her. She looked like she was crying before I went in.”

Guilt twisted in my chest. “How did that go?”

“I don’t think she hates me anymore. And I don’t think she hates you, either.” He gestured to the sketchbook. “She dropped that off on her way to work this morning.”

I scratched my forehead. “I thought she never wanted to see me again.”

“Doyoustill hate her?”

I shook my head. “Never did.” Yes, her hiding who her mom wasburned, but it didn’t make it right to insult her. If I wasin her position, I probably would’ve done the same thing so I wouldn’t lose her.

Well, I lost her anyway.

After an awkward beat of silence, I sighed. “You know I can’t keep it.”

“Then give it back to her.”

I stared at the sketchbook.

“Give it to her, Gavin.”

I looked at Forrest again. “When?”

“The sooner, the better.” He put his hands on his hips. “And don’t drop it off at her doorstep and leave like a pansy.”

“Who the heck sayspansyanymore?”

“Me.” He chuckled. “I’ll ask her when she gets off her shift. Once she’s home, you’re going.”

I let out a breath. “Fine.”

He gave me a look of approval. “Now can I get a hug? Or at least a pat on the back?”

I grinned and patted him on the head. “How about that?”

He groaned. “I get it, you’re trying to tell me I act like a kid.”