Page 153 of Shy Girls Can't Date Rockstars
He didn’t even pretend to wait.
Not even a glance over his shoulder.
He’s leaving me behind.
“Okay,” I manage. “That’s fine. Mom and Dad would want the equipment to be used. I’m sure Marshall’s will do a great job.”
“You’re handling this so bravely.” Either a sniffle or another wheeze comes out of Mrs. Patel. “The realtor will email you the documents. You’ll need your guardian’s signature alongside yours.”
My stomach quivers at the thought of bringing Miranda into this. “Okay. Thank you for dealing with this for me.”
“It’s no problem, Alice. My family and I are always here for you.”
“I’ll let you know about the boxes.”
“Don’t worry about that for now. Just get the paperwork filled out as soon as you can.”
“Thanks for letting me know. I’ll get onto it when I get home.”
I end the call and find Madison staring at me.
“What was that about?” she asks.
“My parents’ business and house have been up for sale,” I say slowly. “Looks like there’ll be sold signs going up.”
Madison bites her lip before speaking. “How do you feel about that?”
I shrug and reply honestly, “Numb.”
“Oh, Alice…”
I shake my head. “It’s fine. They needed to be sold. I don’t live there anymore. My parents aren’t there anymore. It just… sucks.”
Madison nods. “Want me to take you home?”
Before I can respond, raindrops hit the top of my head like light flicks from a finger. I close my eyes and let the air drain from my nostrils. “Perfect.”
Madison tugs on my blazer sleeve. “Alice, let’s get out of the rain before it really starts to pour.”
I open my eyes, watching the empty spot where Ryder’s driver had been parked. “What’s the point?”
“You’ll get wet. You’ll get cold.”
“He already left me.”
Madison looks to where my forlorn gaze lands. “Ryder? Yeah, he has.”
“He doesn’t care.”
“Don’t say that.”
“He left me in the rain. He’s usually here for me in the rain.”
“Why? What happens in the rain?”
I look up, letting the water droplets hit my face. “Usually I’m not standing.”
“What?”
