seventeen

Callie

Wait, what did Owen say?

I didn’t catch it once my eyes fell on Evan, and honestly, I don’t care about anything or anyone but Evan. While the trip to Evan’s family’s house was an absolute shitshow, being here, seeing him, I know it was more than worth it. I wasn’t sure how to approach whoever opened the door and how to ask for Evan since I’m basically nothing to him or his family, but Mrs. Adler was so open and friendly, despite my impromptu visit. My attention moves from Evan to Owen to their mom, before going back to Evan as my heart pounds in my chest. I knew I was worried, but seeing him upright and looking good, I’m so relieved I want to cry.

Evan looks tired and his eyes aren’t so bright, but in my head, he was going to be wearing fuzzy socks and in a straitjacket. I’ve never had to deal with panic attacks and neither has Aviva, so I’m unfamiliar, and I’m surprised by how scared out of my mind I am. I always knew I was attracted to him, and even harbored a small crush, as do most girls, but I care for him. His well-being, his heart, his soul, everything—I’m concerned for all of him.

No one says anything or even moves. Owen is laughing and Mrs. Adler is confused, but Evan, he just stands there. Does he not want to see me? Maybe I give off crazy, stalkerish vibes to him. I did have Aviva call Angie to get me the address. I look back at Mrs. Adler and give her a nervous smile. “I’m so sorry. My name is Callie Pearce.”

Mrs. Adler smiles. “I’m Elli Adler. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Likewise. Am I able to come in?”

“Of course,” she says, moving out of the way, and I walk past her to go straight for Evan.

Our eyes are locked, but when we embrace, I squeeze my eyes shut just as hard as I squeeze him. I was unsure if he would want my affection, but within seconds, he’s holding me tightly as he buries his face in my neck. I feel his heart pounding in his chest, and I know the rhythm of mine matches his cadence.

“Benny told us what happened. I was so worried. Are you okay?” I whisper.

“No,” he whispers against my ear. “But I’m better now.”

I don’t move, loving his lips against my ear, and the warmth of him sends me to the moon. I’m so much smaller than him, and being in his arms makes me feel like a doll.

“Owen,” I hear Mrs. Adler say, and I almost pull out of the hug, but Aviva taught me at a young age—when you think someone needs a hug, you don’t let go until they do. Our mom used to tell her that. “Owen, come on.”

Owen grumbles something, but I can’t hear him over my own pounding heartbeat. “I would have called,” I find myself saying, and Evan nods.

“But we didn’t exchange numbers yet,” he finishes, gathering me closer. “I couldn’t find your Instagram.”

“I messaged yours, but you didn’t open it,” I say softly. “I think it went to your Others folder or whatever.”

“I haven’t been on,” he explains. “I’ve been sleeping all day.”

He pulls back first but not far enough to break our embrace. He looks down at me and then moves a piece of hair out of my face. “I’m sorry.”

I don’t like that he’s apologizing, and I know my face tells him so. “Evan, don’t. You don’t owe me an apology, what with everything that has happened.”

“That’s not true. I didn’t handle any of this well, and that’s on me.”

“From what I hear, it’s been a lot for you.”

“It has. But still, you gave me an incredible night, and I feel like I let you down.”

“Evan, stop. I understand. It all got out of hand. No big deal.”

His eyes burn into mine, and I know he has so much to say. “You’re being too understanding. You deserve better.”

I don’t even blink as I gaze into his eyes. “I know my worth, Evan.”

His jaw clenches as he slides his hand along my neck, rubbing his thumb over my jaw. I almost think he’s going to kiss me, the way his eyes move from mine to my lips and back, but instead, he asks, “Do you have time to talk?”

Every fiber of my being fires off. “Only if you’re up to it.”

“I don’t know that I am, but I don’t want you to leave.”

“I won’t. We can just hang. We don’t have to talk,” I say, my voice low and gentle.

I don’t want to push him, and I don’t need answers. I came here to make sure he was safe, but like him, I don’t want to leave yet. I want to be with him. He lets go of my hip, lacing our fingers together. Then he pulls away, separating us and guiding me through the living room to a hallway. Like his room on campus, his family home is a gallery of family photos. His family and more cover the walls. Along the stairs are photos of each of the kids. Evan’s older sisters with their spouses at their weddings, Owen with Angie in some kind of flower garden, Evan in his IceCats gear, and his youngest brother at graduation, I assume.

When we reach the top of the stairs, I see a bunch of black-and-white photos of a rather hefty pug. “Oh, look at him.”

Evan grins at the family pet. “That’s Adler. He was my mom’s dog before she met my dad.”

“Then how was he named Adler?”

“Mom was a fan of my dad before she met him. He was the star defensemen for the team she co-owned. Now she owns it outright. Nashville Assassins, I assume you know that.”

I nod. “I do, and I know who your dad is.”

He gives me a look. “Mmm-hmm.”

“What? I told you I know hockey.”

Tags: Toni Aleo Bellevue Bullies Romance
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