Page 25 of Chasing Hope

ELLINGTON

Evie???

why are you texting me from Matteo’s phone?

MATTEO

I threw mine out the window

ELLINGTON

I’m coming home

MATTEO

do that and I’ll buy a phone just to throw it at your face

don’t call my bluff, I’ve already threatened the same to Matteo

which speaking of, tell him to stop being a health freak and take me home!

ELLINGTON

no can do little sis

you’re turning into a sewer rat, you need sunshine

MATTEO

harsh

I see it as more of a hibernation period

Am I being a bitch?

Absolutely.

Have I managed to scrounge up a single fuck to stop myself from being a bitch?

Absolutely not.

I haven’t said a single word to Matteo since starting the hike. I’m being beyond frustrating and my behavior is severely leaning toward toddler tantrum territory, but I think deep down I know this is good for me and that’s why I’m pissed.

I’m not ready yet.

I’m not ready to come out of the hole I’ve crawled into, I’m not ready to face my emotions, and I’m certainly not ready to rebuild my life. Besides my brother,everythinghas changed, and I’m utterly fucking terrified.

So, I’m taking it out on Matteo. However, if I didn’t know any better, I could swear he doesn’t mind. Although, he has been pissy every time I throw a small stick at him. It’s what I’ve been doing when he tries to talk to me.

Like right now.

“Do you need?—”

The small stick bounces off his head.

Matteo comes to a screeching halt, whipping around to face me fully, planting his hands on his hips. He removed his T-shirt ten minutes in so the move does nothing but draw my eyes to the abs rippling down his stomach as he grunts out, “Stop. Fucking. Throwing. Sticks. At. Me.”

Despite his clipped words, I can’t for the life of me actually look at his face. I can’t even be annoyed with myself. Matteo is so beautiful, even a nun would have a hard time looking away.