Page 197 of The Way the Heart Breaks: Jade’s Story

Tessa stares at the ceiling for a few seconds and then sighs, “I can’t.”

***

She was asleep, and Alex was asking way too many questions, and none of us wanted to lie. Thank God Becca said she needed to get the car back and offered to take me home too.

“If she wakes up, call me and I will come back down,” I tell Alex.

“I’m capable of taking care of her.” He says sternly.

“But she will want me,” I say it back just like he did.

“So, three in the morning you’re going to wake Uncle Jack up and have him run you down to the farm?” Fuck. “Maybe if you had your license, you could⁠—”

“Still not drive after nine,” I point to myself. “Seventeen.”

“Then we agree, I’m the best to take care of⁠—”

I twist the hair on his arm as I used to Jason when he pissed me off, and Alex just laughs.

“If you don’t call me, I’ll-” I pause.

“You’ll what?” He chuckles.

“I’ll find a way to get back at you,” I warn.

“Get some sleep; we have a big dance tomorrow.”

“Promise me you’ll call.”

“Fine, I promise.” He concedes.

***

When I get home, Dad isn't here yet, which is probably a good thing because I would be tempted to tell him how much I hate Lucas Links. That is also why I let two of Tommy's calls go to the answering machine. Did he know Lucas was still fucking with Sadi? Does that mean he's still fucking with his ex?

He wouldn't, right? I mean, when would he have time?

Ooo, I wonder if he really goes to work with his dad. His dad... I have never met him.

Ryan's truck pulls in, and he doesn't stop at the porch. He heads straight to the shop.

Perfect.

I shove my feet into a pair of sandals because I do not want to screw up my toes, then head out with a plan to salvage this fucking dance. Pushing my sleeves up, I head that way. Ryan glances back at me as he walks around to the tailgate of his truck and opens it.

"What's up, Jade?" he asks in that fucking tone that means he really doesn't want to know.

"You've gotta fix something for me."

He reaches into the back and pulls out a giant log chain. "Yep."

"What do you mean, yep?" I huff.

He turns and looks at me, then leans back against his open tailgate and crosses his arms, crossing one foot in front of the other. Typical Ryan.

"You told me you needed me to fix something. I said yep. This is usually the part of the conversation where you tell me what you need me to fix."

"Oh my God, Ry, really? If I broke something, my dad would fix it. I need you to fix something that my dad can't fix."