Chapter 114

Jake continues to refuse to acknowledge me; even when we board the flight, he has his earphones in and his music blaring. He submerges himself in work on his laptop across the aisle from me, laying a bag on the seat beside him, making it clear he wants space. I grit my teeth and jut out my chin in anger. I get up and shake my head at him in a fury.

Screw you, Jake. Act like an asshole, and I’ll happily treat you like one.

I move down the plane, pick a seat facing away from him, and haul out my book. Not that I can focus, I’m seething because he’s behaving this way.

Why is it always about what he wants, and I must go along or be frozen out?

Sometimes he’s impossible.

***

“You’re not coming?” I gawp at him as I slide into the car while Jefferson holds the door open, my heart falling to my feet like a heavy sandbag, pain constricting in my throat.

“No, I’ve got to take care of a few things.” Jake avoids looking at me, his expression hard as he