Read Online Can't Let Go by Michelle Lynn - Free Book Online Page B

guess.
    “I’m—”
    “Chrissy.” I finish the meet and greet. “Let’s get the hell out of here.”
    Sadie narrows her eyes and tilts her head my way. “Chrissy and I can take the backseat. You take the front,” Sadie dictates and climbs in the back before I have a chance to argue.
    Chrissy glances at me and then to the car and back to me before following Sadie. A slow stream of air leaves my mouth as I climb in next to Brady. Anger at Sadie brews because, although I appreciate her being nice to Chrissy, I really wanted to just be near her again. Starting the ignition, he looks my way, raises his eyebrows, and then focuses his attention on the road in front of him.
    Thankfully, Sadie can talk about her wedding enough to divert the conversation away from Chrissy, me—or the worst—Chrissy and me together. Another saving grace happens when we pull up to Grant and Jessa’s. Jessa informs everyone we’re splitting up. Girls and guys. Chrissy bites her lip, anxious to separate, which makes me fear she’ll leave again before I can get the answers I need.
    Surprisingly, she gets out of the car without a look back to me. Grant scrunches his forehead and looks back and forth between the two of us, just as confused as everyone else. The questions swirl above his head as to who this girl is. Jessa introduces herself and squeezes Chrissy into a hug while Chrissy smiles back to her and slides into the back seat.
     

    WHAT THE HELL am I doing? I’m so out of my element. I have nothing in common with any of these people, let alone the two girls chatting in the front seat. Although, hearing about weddings and pregnancies is a lot better than hunger and eviction.
    “So, Chrissy.” Jessa’s eye finds mine through the rearview mirror, “how do you know Dex?”
    My teeth find my lip, because I’m not quite sure how he would want me to answer this. What do these people know about the Dex Prescott I know? I heard someone call him Hulk earlier when the only nickname I’ve ever known is Edge. Would these girls understand the meaning of that nickname? “Our dads are friends,” I say, keeping it as simple as I’m able.
    “Oh, Ted’s great.” Sadie turns around, giving me that paid for smile. Seriously, could her teeth be more perfect and white? I doubt it.
    I don’t correct them that it’s actually Theo that bonds Dex and I together, just showing again how different of a life Dex lives than I do. To these two perfect girls, with perfect men, living the perfect life, I probably resemble their worst nightmare.
    The two attempt to engage me in more conversation, and I’m certain they think I’m a bitch from my one word answers or non-verbal nods. But what am I supposed to say, ‘Hi, I know you guys live in this perfect bubble of love and forever. You go to college, get a degree, and marry your perfect guy. As for me, though, I go to the few community college classes I can afford, work at a clothing store for barely more than minimum wage, and, oh yeah, my dad recently wagered me to some sleazebag for a one night lay.’ I’d like to see their cute and innocent jaws fall.
    Two nights ago, my dad hit an all time low. I returned from Indiana, where I had been making a new life for myself before getting laid off. I come back home only to find the apartment completely unlivable. There was a month’s worth of dirty dishes, garbage overflowing, and nothing edible in the fridge. Lucky enough my key worked in the lock, but I was there for three days before my dad even made his appearance. And when he did, I wish he hadn’t.
    His clothes were filthy, his hair unkempt and I’m surprised he was even able to afford the rent from appearances alone. He hugged me and for a brief second I thought he missed me. Until the next day I went to do a little grocery shopping and came home to find him searching through my belongings. I knew there was no way I could stay, it was a damn pipe dream to think things would be different.
    My one