Secrets Look Different in the Light

Chapter 23

Avery's POV

Upset doesn't even begin to cover it.

I'm pissed, wrung out, and past the point of crying by the time Theo pulls into the driveway. Before he could even shift into park, I open the door and get out, desperate for air. He helps Jackie out of the car and she starts to follow behind me, wobbling a bit, but mostly steady.

"Aren't you coming in?" I hear her ask him. 

"No he's not," I snap, not even looking back. I say it for him, even though I know he won't argue. I know Theo's been ignoring me, and I don't want him to stay out of obligation or pity. He made it clear to keep him out of my boy drama from now on and I'm trying to honor that. Jackie doesn't say anything else. She shuffles past me into the house, and I linger at the door, still holding it open. I hesitate, then walk back to Theo.

I pull him into a hug. I don't know why- I just need him close, for one second. His arms wrap around me automatically, and it hits me how much I miss this version of him.

"I'm sorry for dragging you into my shit again." I whisper. I pull back, wiping at my face, even though I've got no tears left. "You're too good a friend to me."

I turn to go, eyes downcast, trying to keep the shame from showing.

"Avery." He calls, and I stop, turning to face him. . He's staring at me, and I can see the war playing out behind his eyes. He's trying to find the perfect thing to say, but whatever it is gets lost. Instead, he closes the space between us in three quick steps. His arm wraps around my waist. I gasp—not prepared for the intimate embrace.

Just when I think he's gonna cross the paper thin line that's between us, he stops. His forehead rests itself on mine. We just hover there, suspended. My fingers clutch his shirt like it's the only thing keeping me upright. Maybe it is.

My heart is racing, and I'm scared- terrified -of what comes next. Is he going to kiss me? Is he going to say something? Was Haley right? 

He lets out a feverish breath, shaky and warm, then lifts his head. His lips brush against my cheek- not quite a kiss -and he whispers, "Feel better."

Then he's gone. Just walks away without looking back.

"Avery?" Jackie's voice cuts through the silence. I turn to see her leaning against the doorway. She's too drunk to remember anything she saw, clearly. Good.

"Come on, let's go watch a movie or something." I tell her, knowing she's too drunk to talk about Jayden and I tonight.

Dylan's POV

I hear laughter as soon as I walk into the house. It's faint, but familiar. I follow it upstairs, and sure enough, Avery's door is cracked open. Inside, she and Jackie are hunched over a laptop, watching something. Jackie sees me first.

"She let you leave?" she asks, her grin sharp and unmistakably snarky.

The question catches me off guard. Avery sees the confusion on my face.

"She's very drunk," she explains flatly. "Just ignore her."

Jackie hops off the bed. "Give me a ride home?"

"You're not staying? Really?" Avery asks, voice smaller than usual.

"I can't stay here every weekend," Jackie says, already heading for the door.

I shrug. "I guess we're going." I say to Avery, but she's put her earbuds in by the time I do.

Jackie leads the way, but instead of heading downstairs, she ducks into my room. I follow her, shutting the door behind us.