Addicted to You(61)

I rested my hand against his T-shirt, loving the feel of worn cotton under my palm. It was comforting, like Colby. I’d always feel safe with him. “I hate my brother.”

“He’s not worth your time.”

“He’s made me feel small and worthless. Childish. Hotheaded. You name it, he’s done it. And all along it was him.”

“You’re better than all of them, Isla. I never wanted to tell you this about your family, but now I realize I should’ve done it sooner.”

“It’s okay.” I traced the letters across his shirt with my nail. “You were protecting me. I’m not mad about that.”

“Anything for you, Isla.”

I lifted my head and stared into his eyes. How could I not love this guy? It may have started young with nothing more than an infatuation, but look how far we’d come.

“Colby?”

“Yeah.”

The front door clicked as it was unlocked and I reluctantly pulled away, knowing that was protocol. Landon walked in, Colby got far away from me. It was probably for the best considering the words I love you had been resting on the tip of my tongue.

But to my surprise, Colby didn’t bolt from the couch, or scoot as far away as possible. He stayed right where he was, pressed thigh to thigh with me.

Landon walked in and smiled. “Hey Isla, saw your car”—he paused as he took in the scene laid out before him, then headed into the kitchen—“outside. Did y’all already eat? I’m starving.”

“Mom sent you some food. It’s in the fridge.”

“Cool. I’m going to hit the shower first,” he said as he walked past the dining table then disappeared down the hall.

“I guess I should go. You’ve had a long day and I have to work in the morning.”

“Yeah, okay.” Colby looked away then back at me. “How about a going-away party? Can I throw you one?”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that.”

“I want to.”

I smiled. “If you want. Nothing big.”

“Okay.” He smiled back. “It’ll be fun. Let me know what your work schedule looks like and I’ll check with Landon.”

“Sounds good.” I stood and he followed me to the door.

“It’s not going to be the same without you around, you know?”

“I try not to think about how much I’ll miss Port Lucia.” I stepped out the door and added, “or you.”

“I, uh, I hope you have a good night. I’m sorry to unload everything on you. I’m here if you need to talk.”

“One more question.”

“Sure.”

“Did my car accident happen before or after it was settled?”

“It happened the same week.”

I stared up at the sky, wishing the clouds weren’t hiding the stars. I could’ve used a little beauty right then.

“I think that was Mom’s breaking point. Honestly surprised she didn’t shatter sooner.”

“Still not your fault, Isla.”

I nodded. “Yeah. Guess it’s just going to take some time for that to really sink in.”

“It’s a lot to take in.”

“Thank you though. I’m glad you told me.” I forced a smile. “Good night, Colby.”

“I’m always here.”

—

As I was getting into pajamas that night my phone buzzed with a message. I glanced at the screen, then lifted my phone when I saw the name.

Landon: You know he loves you, right?

I half smiled, amused by Landon’s determination not to let this go.

Me: Nope. I don’t.

Landon: I saw it. On the couch.

Me: Oh, that’s not what that was. We’d just had a moment. He told me about Luis.

Landon: I’m sorry. You okay?

Me: Been better.

Landon: I bet.

Landon: But he does love you.

Me: I don’t know about that.

Landon: You’ll see.

All I could do was laugh and shake my head.

Me: Good night, Landon.

Landon: Night!

I set my phone down with a smile. Though I wasn’t sure if love was an accurate description of his feelings, something had changed between Colby and me. From the kiss at Grandma’s party to the way he looked at me tonight, something more was there. And for once, this didn’t just feel like wishful thinking.





Chapter 19


The two weeks leading up to my going-away party flew by. Work had me scheduled almost every day, and my off times were spent studying. I’d hardly seen Colby, but he’d send me an occasional text checking in or making plans for the party.

But finally the big day arrived, which also meant my moving away was imminent. It was bittersweet. I had ten days of school left before finals. Then it was the holidays and move-out day. It was all coming on fast. Too fast.