Chapter 38

"What happened?"

"I almost fell," I say, my voice raspy, closing my eyes.

"I'll help you to the room. I came here to check on you, not to take care of a drunk person, Alana."

"I didn't ask you to take care of me," I respond defensively.

"That's true, I stayed here like an idiot."

No. I don't think he stayed just for that. He cares. He's showing me that right now, he's shown me that all night. I think my father might have been right about something; Jack and I would look good as a public couple. I hate that my father was right about something I denied so many times. I lie down and turn to the right side of the bed. Jack is sitting on the edge, looking at me with gentleness, as if he's searching for some sign that I've improved.

"Are you okay?"

"Much better than before, thanks, Jack."

"You're welcome," he simply replies.

"Earlier, I didn't cry over Noah; I cried because you were in front of me."

"Do I seem that horrible? I've