Chasing Astrid Malone

13. TRISTAN

DING*

Cameron: Where are you?

Cameron: Please come talk to me. I'm on the front steps and I've searched everywhere already.

Cameron: Let me explain at least.

Cameron: Damn Astrid! Answer me!

As soon as I sat down on the curb at the end of the street, knowing I couldn't be seen, I cried. Did they all know? I'm sure Molly is overjoyed. I'm so stupid, but more than anything I'm mad.

That whole humiliating event was mentally sobering, but I could still feel the effects of the alcohol. I'd been sitting here fifteen minutes already, so Tristan must be close.

I should text Cameron and let him know Tristan rescued me. As petty as the idea was I wanted to hurt him and I knew that would do the trick. If he ever actually cared at all.

Before I could open my texts back up, I saw headlights heading towards me. A number I didn't know was calling my phone.

"Hello?" I half wanted it to be Cameron, the desperate hopeful half.

"Hey, is that you ahead on the curb?" Tristan's voice pulled me back to reality. Of course, Cameron wouldn't try that hard, using someone else's phone to get me to answer.

"Yeah, it's me." I stood up and started walking towards him. Tristan hung up as he pulled up beside me. I turned off my phone and stuffed it in my purse.

I opened the passenger door to his white SUV and climbed in. I forgot I'd been crying until Tristan looked at my face with concern. I tried wiping any makeup that was running from my tears.

"What did he do?" He practically growled the words. "I'm going over there, Im gonna teach him a lesson" oh God no...

"No please I really don't want to go back there, just take me home. Please." I begged. He gripped the steering wheel till his knuckles turned white.

He didn't speak, but he turned the car around and headed towards my house. His car smelled really good, I couldn't place the smell but I assume it smelled like Tristan. I glanced over at him, he looked really angry, keeping his eyes on the road.

"It helps to talk about it if you want?" I was surprised at the calm tone since he still looked so angry. I didn't want to talk about it. If I could, I would wipe my memory of the last week and forget all about Cameron.

I can't believe it's only been five days since I ran out of the library and away from his intense stare. Five days to break my heart, I must be so fragile. I turned my attention back to Tristan.

"I was warned about him, and I was too naive to listen. It's my own fault."

Tristan reached into the center console pulling out some fast food napkins and handed them to me. He really was a nice guy. "Thanks"

"We all learn from our mistakes. Next time you will listen when someone warns you about some jerk. Unless someone has warned you about me in some way, then I take it back." He winked then smiled. Clearly pleased with himself.

"No, actually I think my mom and my brother would both rather I date you. Weird right? I mean, your my brother's friend." His eyes widened and he stole a glance at me.

"So being your brother's friend takes me out of the running? Because don't think I wouldn't drop that friendship for a date with you." I giggled. Something about talking with Tristan felt easier than it did with Cameron.

"If anything I'd say having your family's approval should help my chances." I was still laughing. It felt so much better to laugh than to still be crying. "Your laughing but I'm serious. Your mom LOVES me!"