Why Did It Have To Be You?

I roll my eyes and give a small laugh. “I’m sorry if finding out about me and your dad hurt you. That wasn’t my intention.”

He looks at me with a raised eyebrow. “Oh no? So you didn’t find out I cheated on you and you had the perfect opportunity to get back at me right across the hall?”

Luckily, Brian’s tone doesn’t sound as serious as he was downstairs, and I think now that the shock has settled and he is thinking about it rationally, he isn’t as upset.

I think about the night I saw the video of Brian and Maddison and why I went over to Dean’s room that night. Sure, I wanted to get back at Brian, but if Brian’s dad were someone else I never in a million years would have pulled a move like that.

I shake my head. “No, it wasn’t exactly like that.”

Brian looks at me like he wants me to elaborate. “I mean, yes, I was hurt and angry and I wanted to get back at you, but I wouldn’t have chosen your dad to get revenge with.”

Brian gives me a small smile. “Then why did you?”

I let out a breath not knowing exactly how much I want to tell Brian, so I just keep it vague. “I”ve met your dad before. Like before we moved in. I didn’t know he was your dad at the time and we just clicked you know?.”

Brian looks shocked by my confession. “You’ve been seeing my dad since before we moved it?”

I quickly shake my head. “No! That only happened after I found out about Maddison. We just have met before, and well, I just mean I didn’t sleep with him to get revenge on you.”

Brian looks like he wants to hear more about how I know his dad, but he just nods his head in understanding. He looks at the ground and blows out a breath. “So what now?”

I shake my head. “I’m not sure. I’m going to go stay at Ally’s place tonight. I already have an overnight bag packed. Can we figure out the rest tomorrow? It’s been a long day.”

Brian nods his head. “Sure.”

He leans over and gives me a small hug. Then he pulls back and looks at me.

“Caroline. I’m sorry how things went down. I really do still care about you, and don’t go breaking your back sleeping on Ally’s couch. You know you can stay here until you find your own place?”

I need to figure things out with Dean before I make any kind of decision, and I don’t think I can do that tonight. “Thanks Brian. Friends?”

He smiles at me. “Friends.”

“Oh and Brian?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t be too mad at your dad. I know he was being an asshole down there, but he loves you. The whole situation was just too complicated.”

Brian just nods. “I’ll try.”

???

I have my overnight bag thrown over my shoulder, and I texted Ally that I was coming over. I start walking down the stairs and see Dean just sitting on the entryway step waiting for me. He has his face in hands, and when he hears me coming down, his eyes snap up to mine and he stands up. He opens his mouth to say something but I stop him.

“Dean…” His eyes are searching my face trying to figure out what I am going to say, but even I don’t know yet.

“Can we not have this conversation tonight?”

He eyes my bag over my shoulder and concern comes across his face, so I continue. “I’m going to stay over at Ally’s tonight. I want to talk, but just not tonight. I need to sort through some things first.”

Dean nods and looks down toward the floor, but then he looks back up at me.

“But promise you’ll let me explain. I don’t want you to just sneak out of here without giving me a chance.”

The thought did cross my mind. It would be easier if I just came and grabbed my things while Dean was at work and tried to forget all about him, but the second his eyes reach mine, I know I can’t just walk away from him. He’s made me feel like I’ve never felt with anyone else before. I nod my head and softly whisper. “Okay.”

We both just stand there awkwardly for a second and then I go to leave, but before I walk out the door, I pause and turn around “Dea-.”