Page 88 of The Way I Hate Him
“Oh, sorry,” I say. I release her iPad.
“Care to tell me why the hell you’re freaking out on me?”
Yup, that’s exactly what’s happening. I’m freaking out.
I’m feeling humiliated. Hurt.Shut out of everyone’s lives and interests as if I’m a fucking bother to them all. Everything is so jumbled up, and the only person I can lean on just started driving back to San Francisco. Leaving me feeling so fucking alone. I have no idea how much honesty Aubree will tolerate, but I have to set these feelings free.
“Because . . . it feels like you don’t want me to be a part of your life. When I heard you went to the redwoods without me, I assumed it was because of that. I’ve been here for two weeks, and...well, honestly, it feels like you and Ryland have been pushing me away.”
Aubree sighs heavily and shuts her iPad. She rubs her temples and mutters, “This is why I wanted to tell you.”
“Tell me what?” I ask.
“This can’t be done with just me. It has to be done with Ryland too. Think you can come up to the farm for dinner?”
“Yes,” I say. “I don’t have anything planned.”
A customer walks in, and she whispers, “Then see you tonight. Okay?”
“Yeah, okay,” I say as I move to the back of the shop, the tension in my chest easing.
Maybe I’ll finally get some answers tonight.
* * *
I pullup to the dirt driveway of Cassidy’s house—I don’t think I’ll ever think of it any other way—and gradually drive my car across the bumps in the road until I reach the front.
Today went by so freaking slowly that I almost lost it. I spent the entire day sorting envelopes. Finally shredded some piles that I didn’t think warranted Hayes’s attention, and all the while, I avoided Hayes at all costs by keeping my headphones on and my eyes down.
He slipped into the living room a few times, saw him moving around in the kitchen, but I think he had the idea I was avoiding him. Therefore, he should avoid me.
It worked.
My phone beeps with a text, and when I glance down, I roll my eyes.
Hayes:Great avoidance today. Expert level.
God, he truly is the most infuriating man.
Hattie:Just getting work done.
Hayes:Liar.
Hattie:What do you want? You turned me down. Want me to get on my knees and beg?
Hayes:No, but I thought you could be mature about it. Guess that’s what twelve years of difference does.
My mouth drops open in shock as I stare at the blatant insult. What an ass!
Hattie:Wow, Hayes. Resorting to being a dick. See, old age does that to you.
Hayes:Is this how it’s going to be?
Hattie:You tell me, you came in guns blazing.
Hayes:If we’re going to work together, I’d expect you to acknowledge me at the very least . . . and arrive on time.
Hattie:Yes, your majesty.
