Page 48 of Unsuitable

Taking a seat across from Jesse, I answer Tim, “Coffee would be great. Thanks.”

“Jesse?” Tim asks.

Jesse doesn’t answer. He just shakes his head.

“Right. Well, I won’t be long.”

I watch Tim leave the room.

When I look back, Jesse is still staring at me.

The tension in the air is unnerving.

It makes me sick to my stomach to know the size of the wedge between us.

This is a kid who would talk nonstop to me. A kid who I could sit in perfect silence with and always feel at ease.

Now, it’s almost like sitting with a stranger.

But a stranger I love very much.

My mouth is dry, so I lick my lips before speaking, “You look…so grown-up.”

I watch as his eyes shut down. Shutting me out.

He’s looking at me like Kas looks at me.

Like he hates me.

Pain spikes me in the gut.

“Yeah, well, it’s been eighteen months. I’m not just gonna stop growing ’cause you haven’t been around.”

“I know. I’m sorry—”

“Save it ’cause I don’t want to hear it.” He turns his face away, looking in the direction of the TV. Leaning back, he stretches his long legs out, folding his arms over his chest.

I fight back the tears burning my eyes and take a deep breath. “So…how have you been?” I ask.

He sighs and drags his eyes from the TV and back to me. “You want to make small talk, Daisy? Really?”

Daisy. He always called me Mayday.

Another spike of pain hits me—this time, in the chest. I rub at the ache. “I just want to talk to you, Jesse.”

“Okay, let’s talk.” He swivels around in his seat, hands pressed to his thighs. He looks like he’s roaring for a fight. “How was your time in prison? You learn any new tricks? How long you staying around for? Or should I expect another visit from the cops sometime soon, telling me that you’re going back inside?”

“I-I’m not going back, Jesse. I’m here to stay.”

He lets out a bitter laugh. It hurts to hear.

“Like Mum and Dad?”

“Jesse, please…I’m not like them. You know this. Deep down, you know this. I’ve missed you so much. I just want—”

“I don’t give a shit what you want!” he yells, jumping to his feet. “As far as I’m concerned, you don’t exist anymore!”

Pain punches me square in the chest. I push to my feet. “Jesse, please. Y-you don’t mean that.”