“Ember is in fucking knots. She’s called Presley several times,” Robbie tells me. “I’m the one who suggested Presley use that bathroom this morning, and I forgot to mention it to anyone. I don’t know what to say, except everyone, including Raven, feels horrible. Declan wasn’t happy with your rant, but he took your side. Raven isn’t herself.”
“Appreciate it, brother, but I’m gone.”
“Finn, don’t leave. This was a mistake.”
“Robbie, if Ember was in this situation, what would you do? She doubted your love, your devotion, your commitment, and it was all because of us, the people you trust more than anything. Everyone out here is family, and yet, my girlfriend was treated like a piece of shit.”
“I’d fucking go ballistic.”
“That’s about how I feel.”
“Can you give it ‘til daylight? I’ll go with you, but I’m not leaving Ember alone tonight.”
“No, I’m out.”
“Wait!” Raven comes running toward me with her hair flowing and her blue eyes shining. I am so pissed, it’s hard to stay still.
“What do you need?” I ask impassively.
“I’m so sorry, Finn. I had no idea how much she meant to you. You’ve never been serious before.”
“RJ, you may have fucked up the best thing in my life. I’m done. If she gives me another chance, I’ll be lucky.”
“I’m—”
“You’re sorry, I know… heard it already.”
I rev the bike, drowning out any of her protests. She looks at me with hurt and confusion, but it doesn’t stop me from riding away, Tripp and Max close by.
I know exactly where we’re headed. After today’s revelations, I’m getting drunk.
Chapter 18
Presley
From the window, I watch my last neighbor drive away and crank up the music, trying to drown out my thoughts.
Talkin' to herself, there's no one else who needs to know...
She tells herself, oh...
Memories back when she was bold and strong
And waiting for the world to come along...
Swears she knew it, now she swears he's gone
I place my violin on my shoulder and play along. My bow moves across the strings at a rapid pace as I lose myself in the song.
She lies and says she's in love with him, can't find a better man...
She dreams in color, she dreams in red, can't find a better man...
My hand strums to the beat, trying to catch up. Focusing on the music, I let a few tears fall as Finn’s voicemails replay through my mind.
“We need to talk…”
“It’s not what you think…”