Something about this whole scene, him not answering my question, his words and almost dismissive tone, make my hackles come up. “You sound like my brother.”
Instead of my boyfriend.But I don’t say that part because we haven’t really established that.
He rubs at the back of his neck. “I don’t know what you want me to say.”
Something? Anything?
I let out a breath as I compose my thoughts. For years, I’ve felt like Teddy only saw me as Felix’s little sister, but he’s never made me feel as small as I do right now. And worse, his words have left me questioning if I’m justified in my irritation. I don’t know if he’s right or if I am, but I want to talk about it.
This is not the goodbye I had in mind. I pictured kisses and promises to talk over the break, maybe making plans for when we get back to Valley, but Teddy and I stand awkwardly in front of each other, not knowing what to say.
“I should go,” I say finally.
He nods curtly. “Yeah. Drive safe.”
“You already said that,” I mumble, and then I get in the Jeep and drive away from my winter wonderland.
“Mom and Dad’s plane just landed,” I say as I step into the living room. Stella is curled up on the couch with Whiskers.
She sits up and he jumps off and trots away, probably to go lie in the kitchen window—his favorite spot.
“Time to put on a happy face and fake some holiday cheer.”
I laugh lightly. “Dad was already asking if we pulled out all the lights for the house. He’s ready to go full Griswold.”
Stella smiles, but it’s so half-hearted that it makes my insides hurt. She hasn’t wanted to talk about it at all. We both crashed as soon as we got back last night, and this morning, we watched Hallmark movies and ate junk food. She’s still attached to her phone, but I haven’t seen her texting as much.
Her willpower is far greater than mine. I haven’t heard from Teddy, and it’s killing me. We left things in such a weird place. I don’t know how to move forward.
“Go take a shower. I’ll pull out the lights and help Dad. Mom will want to unpack and start the laundry before she does anything else. Should buy you an hour or two.”
“Thanks, Holly.” She stands and picks up the discarded ice cream container and chip bag. “Is Teddy coming with Felix?”
“No. He’s going to Emmett’s house for break.”
“Really?”
“He’d already made plans to go there. Plus, we didn’t leave things in the best place.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t know. It just felt weird as we were leaving. I know he’s Felix’s best friend, but last night, he made me feel like when we were twelve and Felix’s friends would come over and ignore us.”
“I’m sorry my drama caused trouble for you.”
“Teddy’s actions are not on you.”
She nods. “It was a crazy night. Maybe he’ll change his mind and come here again.”
“Maybe.”
“Have you texted him to ask?”
“No,” I admit.
“You want him to make the move this time?” One side of her mouth pulls up into a small smile.
“Is that wrong?”