36. Chapter 36

36

Heath

A few days later, we go to my secret spot after school.

September is on the verge of goodbye with Autumn in full effect. An array of trees crowding the slopes and feet of the hills are in shades of yellow, orange, and red. It's a whole color palette down there with the town sitting ahead of it.

"How do you know so much about Instagram pages, and managing a business? It's one thing to study something and another to know exactly what to do."

I lean back and turn my neck to look at her. I always need to look at her.

"I manage a few Instagram pages for various stuff."

Hope criss-crosses her legs and gazes at me with all her attention "Such as?"

"Some are niche pages that I grow an audience on so I can sell them later. The others are businesses like drop shipping, merchandise, and stuff."

"You create merchandise?"

"Marie creates. I work on the marketing aspect."

"When did you guys do it?"

I smirk. "We have never done it, Rose."

"What—"

My smirk deepens, waiting for her to catch the innuendo.

Her cheeks turn rosy and those innocent eyes dart away from mine. It's a delightful sight.

"You know what I meant," she whispers.

"I don't," I joke, finding her uneasiness entertaining.

"Don't make it say it, please."

I laugh hard. My chest shakes in a way it hasn't had in a long time.

Hope watches me with a cute smile.

"What?" I ask.

"That's the first time I'm hearing your laugh."

"Hm. What do you think of it?"

"That I like it, and it's my second favorite thing about you."

"What's your first favorite thing about me?"

"The way you make me feel."

"How do I make you feel?"

"Safe."

I stiffen. It's exactly what I've wanted her to feel when she's with me.

Clearing her throat, she says, "So, um, when did you and Marie start this business?"

I take the hint. "We made it a little after Sebastian went to rehab. She was depressed and distraction is the antidote to sadness."

Her mouth opens in shock. "Sebastian went to rehab?"

I go rigid as the memories play in my head.

"Last year," I answer quietly, fighting to block that dark time out of my head.

"Is he okay now?" Hope asks in a concerned voice.

"He has his days, but now he can get through them."

"That's good for him."

I inhale a deep breath. "It was difficult to see my best friend destroy himself, all because his mom didn't know one thing about being a parent. She destroyed him in ways no one could heal him. But therapy and Marie have healed him."

Hope stays motionless beside me, absorbing everything.

"Don't mention any of this to Bash. He hates talking about it," I warn her.

"I won't," she promises me. "So, the merchandise. Why didn't Marie tell me?"

I rest my head against the hood of my car and set my forearms over my knees.

"I made her sign an NDA," I tell her.

"Why?"

"So she wouldn't tell anyone else. Sebastian knows. And now you."

"Thank you for telling me."

Her phone pings and I see the name Elliot across the screen.

Picking up her phone she replies, then puts it down.

"Made a new friend?" I ask casually, when on the inside I can feel my chest burn at the name Elliot. What a stupid name it is.

"He's that guy from the bowling alley."

"So you texted him, then."

"Yes."

She fidgets with her fingers. "Actually, we're going on a date."

I sit upright. "What the fuck?"

Hope flinches and I feel like a dick.

I take a minute to cool myself down, but nothing helps. The thought of some guy spending time with her drives me crazy when it shouldn't.

"Why the fuck are you going on a date with him?"

"Because he asked me on a date," she whispers.

"And not because you want to?"

"I want to. He's sweet and it's nice talking to him."

I scoff.

"Marie supported the idea," Hope adds and now I want to kill Marie for suggesting this stupid idea.

"When is this fucking date?" I ask.

"He's picking me up at six tomorrow."

Maybe it isn't too late to leave town. I can book a hotel for the weekend and escape. It's better than staying here and witnessing Hope going on a fucking date.

Shortly after I drop her home, I drive to Marie's house.

I knock on the door impatiently. Seriously! What the fuck was she thinking?

The door opens and Issac Anderson, Marie's father, steps out in a white button-up and dark gray slacks. He's as tall as me and has a lean build.

He greets me with a warm smile. "Heath, it's nice seeing you. It's been a while. How are you doing?"

"I'm fine," I mutter irritatedly.

This man looks at me with such affection. I don't like it one bit. He adores both me and Sebastian—him more than me because he's the boyfriend of his daughter. He's an incredible father to Marie. I've seen it from time to time. He'll destroy anyone who makes Marie miserable—he almost did.

Between Marie, Sebastian, and I, she's the only one who has the most caring and loving parents.

Issac holds the door open. "Why don't you step inside, son?"

Son. The word always gets to me when he says it. Maybe it's the longing, knowing my father and I will never be close like he is with his two children.

I take a step back. "I should go."

"Sit with me for coffee."

"I have something—"

Giving me a playful glare he warns me, "Don't make me drag you inside, son."

Deflated, I follow him to the living room which looks straight out of a magazine. The decor is simple and elegant in a homey way. Everything is expensive and meaningful. Like the white plush rug under the coffee table, Marie begged for it because she loves soft things. Or the red cream curtains with self-prints because Camila likes them. Marie has told me so many stories when I used to come here to keep her company because Sebastian was in rehab.

Issac motions for me to sit. "I'll bring your black coffee with no sugar."

I open my mouth to argue but he sends me another glare causing me to sit my ass back down.

I've never been able to fight off Issac Anderson. The way he treats me or talks to me gives off this fatherly energy. And because I crave it in life I smother under it like a sunflower in the sun.

I can say fuck off to anyone, even my father, but not to this man. He's as good as his daughter. Like patches torn from the same cloth.

Issac returns with my coffee and sits across from me on the sofa.

Taking a sip of his coffee he studies me. "So, what brings you here?"

"Is Marie home?" I get to the point.

"She will be in thirty minutes. Camila took her and Sebastian shopping."

"I'll see her tomorrow, then." I stand but he gives me the look. The daunting businessman look.

I glue my fucking ass to the couch.

He leans back. "Want to talk about what's bothering you?"

What the fuck?

How does he fucking know?

"Nothing is bothering me."

Issac smiles like he knows something is up. I suppose it's parental instinct.

"Then you shouldn't mind giving me a run down. It's been months since I've seen you."

"Miss me or something?" I ask drily.

"I do. So, tell me."

"It's the same as before. School and boxing." And Hope.

Issac watches me with a knowing smirk as if he can read my mind. "No new thing or someone, perhaps?"

"No."

Issac chuckles and puts away his coffee mug. The Rolex watch on his wrist shifts, and I'm reminded of the million-dollar empire he's built around the world but keeps that world separate because he loves Marie so much that he moved here for her sake. He takes her to therapy and spends time with her. He's the epitome of a perfect parent. I don't envy Marie at all, but her parents are something else. The moment you enter this mansion, you realize it's more of a home than a magnificent place worth millions.

"That's interesting because Marie has been raving about this girl Hope and how she's her best friend. I believe our whole neighborhood knows about her at this point. My wife had the pleasure of meeting her and now both of my girls are singing her praises." He sighs in mock sadness. "Unfortunately, I missed the opportunity to meet the person who brings so much joy to Marie. I want to see that smile on her face."

" Everything brings joy to Marie."

He shakes his head. "Not everything, Heath. You and I both know that."

From the moment I met Marie, I saw loneliness and sadness in her. But more than that, she's always wanted to have friends, but no one wanted to be her friend. I've watched her cry, complain, and cry some more, because all she's ever wanted is for people to accept her.

"Yeah," I whisper.

He nods. "She mentioned how Hope and you have been spending time together."

I stiffen and hide my face behind the mug of coffee. "As friends."

His hazel eyes, identical to Marie's, watch me. "I see. That's where everything begins."

I scowl. "Nothing is fucking beginning."

"Getting defensive now, Travon."

I hate being cornered.

Issac gives me a teasing smile. "Hope and you are friends. How's it going?"

"Fine."

"Told her about your sister yet?"

"Yes."

Issac studies me. I know if I give him a second more he'll see what I'm hiding.

"I'm getting late," I say but make no effort to stand up.

"You like this girl, don't you?"

What the fuck is up with everyone? Is it tattooed on my face or something?

How can anyone know what's inside of me?

"You're crazy," I reply in a tense tone.

He arches an eyebrow. "Am I? Because I believe I called your bluff."

I glare at him, and he calmly stares back with a smile that's the same as Marie's. There's no doubt that they're blood. Genetics aside, he has the habit of probing me for details just like his daughter.

"Does it matter if I like her or not?" I grit my teeth as I ask.

He nods. "Yes, it does. Your feelings matter, son."

"Not enough since she's going on a date," I burst out.

For a moment there's silence, then he says, "Have you told her how you feel about her?"

"No." It's too late now.

"You should. Maybe she feels the same about you."

"I highly fucking doubt it."

Issac places his elbows on his knees and leans over. "Why do you say that?"

"If you don't know it already, I'm not the epitome of a good guy."

"Sebastian wasn't either, but he's dating my daughter. Why? Because he loves her. No man will ever love my daughter like he does."

Love. That word creeps me out. It's like one of those spells you'll never recite fearing it'll come to life.

"I don't love Hope. I'm sure of it."

"But you like her."

I look away feeling vulnerable for the first time in my life.

"You should tell her," he suggests.

"I don't think so. She seems to like this other guy," I tell him in a rough voice. How fucking pathetic.

Issac laughs. "You're jealous."

I glare at him. "What the fuck are you talking about? I'm not fucking jealous."

Issac gives me a look. "Tell her before it's too late."

Before I can fight him, the door opens, and chatter fills the hallway.

Marie and Camila appear smiling and carrying tons of bags.

"Oh, Heath is here. What a surprise. How are you, love?" Camila asks in a motherly tone as she comes my way.

"I'm fine." I stand up and move toward Marie.

Marie stares at me in shock. "Heath, what are you doing here?"

I point my finger at her. "You and I need to talk, Blondie."

She nods. "All right. Let's go up to my room."

I start walking out of the house before her parents can make me stay for dinner. "Meet me outside."

Two minutes later she steps out with a concerned look on her face. "What's up?"

The rage I smothered a while ago lights up with full force.

I glare at her. "Why did you tell Hope to go on a date with that platypus?"

Marie frowns, then starts laughing and my annoyance only gets worse.

"Platypus? That was funny."

I grimace. "That guy isn't for her."

"And you know how?"

"I just do." I grind my molars with how mad I am right now.

"You told me she isn't your type, so I don't understand why you're interfering."

"I'm looking out for her as a friend."

"Are you sure that's the only reason?" She arches an eyebrow. Her eyes are as curious as her father's.

"I'm done here."

I drive home all the while thinking about Hope and that average-looking guy on a date. I can't get the image of them laughing and talking out of my head.

I fucking despise it.

Fucking platypus.

I hate it so much that I'd give anything to not have her go out with him.

The truth I've been hiding from everyone hits me across the chest in bold italic big letters.

I. Like. Her.

I. Fucking. Like. Her.

I don't know how or when it happened, but somewhere in her beautiful brown eyes and pretty rosy cheeks I started feeling something. I have no interest in books, but when she talks about them I just want to listen to her. The way she looks when she talks about her favorite characters or the smile that hangs on her lips at the cute moments, it's enchanting.

The thought of someone hurting her evokes the killer instinct in me. I've never wanted to kill anyone. But I want to kill whoever lays hands on her and terrorizes her. I'll go to jail for her just so she feels safe.

Never in my life have I felt this sort of pull toward someone. It's stronger than the magnetic force of a planet or opposite poles. There's no way I can resist it.

I like her. I like her so fucking much that it hurts to not be with her all the time.

Sitting in my car, I hear my rapid heartbeats echoing in my ears.

She makes my fucking heart race.

Fuck.

I want her. I want her so badly.