Page 60 of Inseparable
He looks away, saying nothing, and a tense silence perforates the air again. “Say something,” I plead.
His face is impassive when he looks at me, completely devoid of any and all emotion. “You should go. There’s nothing left to be said, and your mom wouldn’t be happy you’re here.”
And just like that I’m dismissed. I could argue, but what’s the point. Devin’s hot and cold attitude is nothing new, and I’m getting sick of his mood swings. Whoever said teenage girls are the most dramatic has a lot to answer for. Lately, the boys in my life are definitely giving me a run for my money in the drama stakes.
And, for whatever reason, both Devin and Ayden seem determined to keep me in the dark. Not for the first time, I wonder where those two cute, adorable boys I used to know have disappeared to.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
When we go back to school after spring break, Becky still hasn’t returned to school. Devin shows up sporadically, but he’s back to blanking me, and I don’t have the energy to fight for him anymore. Ayden is still acting weird, and we’re spending less time together than we ever have. My life as I knew it has fallen apart, before I even realized it was happening.
I’m driving myself home after my shift in the diner Thursday night when I spot a familiar figure sauntering up the road. I slow down alongside him, rolling the window down. “Howdy, stranger. Need a ride?”
Cameron Morgan leans his elbows on the lowered window, grinning at me. His dark hair is cropped close to his head, showcasing his beautiful face. Where Devin and Lucas share the same sea-green eyes, Cameron’s are more of a gray-green but no less spectacular. “Hey there, pretty lady. You going my way?”
“You betcha, marine. Hop in.”
Tossing his duffel bag into the back, he climbs into the passenger seat, adjusting it so it can accommodate his longer legs.
“I didn’t know you were coming home,” I admit as the car moves forward.
“Me either.” He scratches the back of his head. “I’ve taken a leave of absence for a while. My brothers need me.”
“This is because of your dad?” I guess.
“Mainly, yeah. I couldn’t leave Lucas and Devin to fend for themselves, especially with Dev talking about quitting school and working full-time at the gas station.”
I almost crash the car. “What?”
He sits forward in the chair, pinning me with a strange look. “He didn’t tell you?”
I haven’t seen much of Devin since our conversation in his kitchen—he’s been keeping a low profile. Mom and Ayden’s mom have been checking in on them, but it’s good that Cameron is back. They need him. “No. We’re not really speaking anymore.”
Cam’s eyes pop wide, and he just stares at me for a couple seconds. “What the hell?”
Crunching pain rattles through my chest. “It’s a long story. No doubt he’ll fill you in.”
He purses his lips, shaking his head sadly. “He fucked up, didn’t he?”
I almost laugh at that. “Yeah, he messed things up pretty bad.” That image of Becky riding Devon at the party swims to the forefront of my mind again. Tears well in my eyes and I hate that it still upsets me months later.
Cam squeezes my shoulder. “I’m sorry, Ange.”
“Yeah, me too.”
We’re both quiet for a little bit. “Any word on your dad’s whereabouts?”
“Nope. Good riddance I say.” He grinds his teeth.
“You think he’s ever coming back?”
He barks out an embittered laugh. “He won’t show his face around here again.”
“Maybe it’s for the best.”
He nods. “No maybe about it. I’m glad he’s gone, and I hope he stays the fuck away.”
March turns into April, and I welcome the warmer weather and longer nights. Mr. Morgan hasn’t reappeared, and Becky didn’t return to school either. Apparently, she’s left town with her mom for her aunt’s house, and she’s going to finish senior class there. While it seems wrong to feel relieved given what she’s gone through, I’m not going to lie and pretend I’m upset over it. Becky being gone is one less thing for me to worry about.
