The Lovable Jerk (boyxboy)

Chapter 30

Westin

As childish as this sounded, I needed my dad. I didn't know why, but he was the only person I wanted to see. I held back all the tears, begging to burst out as I drove home with the song 'Cinnamon Girl by Lana Del Rey' playing in the background, perfect, even my Spotify playlist was mocking me. I sighed in relief the moment I pulled into the driveway.

Dad was the first person I saw when I opened the door. It seemed as though he was waiting for me all along, waiting for me to tell him how the meeting with Arlo's family went. His eyes lit up when he saw me, but the light dimmed as soon as he met my gaze. As if he already knew something had gone wrong. I took two steps towards him before my legs gave out, and I fell on my knees and sat on the ground.

"What happened, Westin?" he asked when he made his way to me and softly rubbed my back, but I couldn't speak. I choked on my tears. I choked on my tears, overwhelmed by the emotions I'd been trying to bury the entire drive home. I didn't even know where to begin. Dad pulled me into a hug, trying to soothe me--but I felt worse. Cursed, even. First Riley, now Arlo. "Westin, please tell me what's wrong." Dad pleaded.

"He...he...broke up with me." I cried.

"What? But Arlo loves you...why would he-"

"Apparently he loves me enough to let me go." I scoffed, bitterly. Yeah right. If someone who loves you they wouldn't do this to another, someone who loves you wouldn't make you love them back and destroy you.

He was only thinking about himself, selfish. Yes, he was selfish, just like Riley. I'll admit I froze when Arlo told me he wanted to end things. I hadn't done anything wrong--at least, I don't think I had. But that's the thing...that's what happened with Riley, too. I was cursed. Why was it that every time I fall in love this shit happens?!

"Oh my baby," Dad soothed me as he gently started patting my back. "Tell me what happened." He encouraged me.

"He ended things," I said, avoiding his eyes.

I hated how pathetic I sounded, crying over Arlo like some heartbroken idiot because I was a heartbroken idiot. But I couldn't help it. I thought we were good. I thought we loved each other. He was the one who chased--who started all of this--and now he's the one walking away?

Dad stayed quiet. He just stared at me. Then asked:

"Why? What'd you do?"

"Dad?!" I stared at him, stunned. "I didn't do anything...his mother was just being a..." I hesitated. "The B word."

I then explained what happened throughout the dinner, and Dad remained silent until I finished. He smiled softly before helping me stand up. The look I gave him was nothing short of confusion. Arlo freaking broke up with me--Why was he acting as if what I told him was no big deal?

"He thinks you are better off without him," Dad explained as he led me upstairs. Clearly, I was not. I was literally a mess and it simply hurt that he brushed me off like that. As selfless as Dad's reasoning for Arlo was, it still seemed selfish.

"But I love him," I blurted without hesitation.

He stopped in his tracks. His eyes searched mine, almost shocked. I thought it was obvious I loved Arlo, and I was man enough to admit it. I loved Arlo, and I would have told him that if I hadn't said what he said today.

"Really, baby?" Dad asked, gently rubbing my shoulder. I nodded. He hugged me tightly, his smile warm and proud. "I'm glad you admitted it." He whispered before he let go.

"What am I supposed to do?" I was trying to understand why Arlo was reacting this way, but I really needed to know how to get my boyfriend back.

"You're going to sleep, wake up, and pick him up for school," Pa said, suddenly appearing in the hallway.