Page 66 of Someone Like Me
Surely the sound of Drew’s voice has come from within me, my mind’s proof of the impermanent nature of loneliness.
But then, Gem and I both hear Tori’s strident tones echoing across the street, and we stand at the same instant. A quick glance through the bay window only shows me oak branches, so I bolt for the door.
I swing it wide and see them. At once, the lines of their bodies tell me everything. Ugly words have been spoken.
I hesitate for a moment, not wanting to leave the baby, but I have to stop whatever is happening across the street.
“Gem, stay,” I command. And as if he understands the urgency, my dog’s body goes rigid, alert for any danger across the street or in the house.
I set off at a run in time to see Drew tear from the front steps, his face a mask of misery.
“Drew, what are you—” Before the question is out, I gasp. “Oh my God! The DMV. I was supposed to pick you up. I completely forgot.”
He looks at me and shakes his head. “It doesn’t matter.” His voice is gruff, almost strangled. “Goodbye, Evie.”
He veers right before I reach him, moving in long, quick strides away from me. Hisgoodbyehangs in the air, sounding hauntingly permanent.
“Drew, wait. I’m so sorry—”
He lifts the back of his hand, waving me off. “I’ve got it. I don’t need you,” he calls without looking back.
I don’t need you.
The words land like launched darts in my chest. My shoulders bow with their impact. With my mouth hanging open and useless, I watch him until he turns the corner. But because he moves so fast, I don’t watch long.
Still the whole time, I feel Tori’s eyes on me. I turn to face her.
“What did you say to him?”
Her shoulders square in defiance, and I know this can’t be good. “Only what he needed to hear.”
Shit.Definitely not good.
I fold my arms across my chest, the second thoughts I’d grappled with during my meditation rapidly fading. “What exactly did you say?”
Tori’s lips tighten, and I notice that even though her usual hostility lines the skin around her eyes, she also looks a little unsure of herself. This is rare. But then she blinks, and the look is gone.
“He needs to stay away from you.”
My jaw clenches. “That’s not for you to decide.”
“I’m only looking out for you, Evie.”
I shake my head. “That’s not your place. I can look out for myself.”
Tori rolls her eyes. “Evie, come back home and stop being ridiculous. Mom and Dad are so upset that—”
I hold my hands up to stop her. If I focus on their disappointment, I’ll waver. “No one’s more upset than I am.” And this must be true. My hands are shaking with anger. What else could she have said to Drew? Would her rudeness be enough to send him away with that devastated look on his face?
The trust growing between us is still new. But I feel sure deep inside me that it’s real. He would trust me over her, wouldn’t he?
“What else did you say to him?” I press.
Tori blinks. A chink in her armor. She said something else. Something hateful and awful. I know it. I turn toward the direction where Drew disappeared, wanting to go after him, but I can’t. Not now, anyway. Not until Janine gets back.
“He’s worthless, Evie. Just let him g—”
My gaze whips back to her. “Shut up, Tori.”
