Rewrite the Stars

A few hours later, feeling like I’ve brought enough drama into their lives, I stand and thank them both. They hug me goodbye, and I know that even if the rest of the summer was a fail, I got two genuine friends out of the deal.

When I walk out of Miles’ trailer, Sebastian’s standing there, shoulders slouched with his hands in his front pockets. I hate how attractive he is, even when I want to throttle him. I walk past him without a word.

“Hear me out.”

I keep walking. The sadness I felt last night is evolving into something else. Something angry. But it’s better than sad, so I hold on to it.

“You’re acting like a brat,” Sebastian says, like he hasn’t betrayed me and hurt me in the worst way. I huff out a bitter laugh, but I still don’t respond.

When I get to where the trailer was parked, I stop short, looking around at the empty space.

“They already left,” Sebastian informs me. “You’re coming with me.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “If my stuff is already gone, I’m going to catch a ride with Miles,” I say, turning to walk in the direction we just came from.

“The fuck you are.”

“Ah, there he is.” I was wondering when the real Sebastian would come out.

“Evan, please,” he says, his voice uncharacteristically sincere. Sebastian doesn’t say please. “It wasn’t me. I was never at your hotel.” I stop and look at him, searching his eyes for the truth. “You can hate me all you want later. Just get in the truck.”

I don’t know what to believe. All I know is that I was falling for Sebastian—really falling for him, and now I wish I could turn those feelings off.

“Fine.”

Without another word, we walk to the pickup truck that hauls the trailer with the dirt bikes. I hop inside the passenger seat, laying my head against the window. I don’t even have my phone to serve as a distraction.

Sebastian runs a hand through his mussed-up hair before starting the engine.

“Ev—” he starts, but I cut him off.

“Not yet.”

He grits his teeth, turning his eyes back on the road.

We drive for hours in silence. The sky has gone dark, and the only sound is of the rain pelting against the roof of the truck. I hear a loud pop that makes me jump, followed by the wobbly, uneven feeling that comes with having a flat tire.

“Fuck,” Sebastian hisses, looking in the side mirror. Luckily, it’s so late that there’s not much traffic, so he’s able to slow down and pull off to the side of the road without issue. The windshield wipers work overtime against the heavy falling rain. I blow out a breath, leaning my head against the back of the seat.

Sebastian throws the truck in park, walking out into the rain to assess the damage. He’s only gone for a second. “Completely shredded.”

Great.

He jumps back into the driver’s seat, digging his phone out of the middle console. He taps something out in a text message, then lifts his hips to shove his phone into his back pocket before reaching behind him to grab a black backpack.

“Saw a sign for a motel about a mile and a half down the road. I’ll get the truck towed to a shop in the morning. Let’s go.”

“In this?” I ask, incredulous. “Don’t you have roadside assistance or something?” Sebastian cuts his eyes at me, not bothering to answer. I huff out an annoyed breath, unbuckling my seatbelt before hopping out of the truck, slamming the door behind me. I stomp ahead, not waiting for Sebastian, as the rain pelts against my skin, drenching me instantly.

“You’re going the wrong way,” he shouts.

I do an about-face, walking in the right direction. I trudge along, arms crossed over my chest against the cold, my bottom lip trembling.

“Are you ready to be a grown-up yet?” Sebastian asks, falling into stride next to me, seeming completely unaffected by the rain.

“No, Sebastian, I’m not ready to be a grown-up if it means talking to you. I’m booking a flight home the second I can.”