Page 60 of Unloved

“I didn’t sleep well.”

I wait for a quick retort, like Sadie might make, but remember that this is Oliver I’m dealing with.

He watches me make a cup of coffee, which I don’t often drink, with mild concern. Enough that I finally tell him, “I’m fine. Just had a bad night.”

After a long gulp, I jump up to sit on the countertop. It’s only 6 a.m., so I’m not surprised we’re the only ones awake.

There’s a chance neither of us even went to sleep.

“How was your night?”

He shrugs. “Fine. Nothing bad.”

“But you didn’t sleep.”

He shrugs again, and I know I’ve guessed right.

“If you’re having trouble again, we can get you in to see someone.”

Oliver is already shaking his head before I’ve finished my sentence.

“No, Sadie can’t afford all that. She just got me new skates. I’m… I’m fine, Ro.”

He’s upset enough for me to drop it, for now, but I log the information.

Living in a dorm with my best friend and her two little brothers wasnotpart of my Sexy College Bucket List, but I wouldn’t trade them for anything else. I love Liam and Oliver like they’re my own brothers, but helping them means I’m helping Sadie, and… I’d do anything for Sadie.

I don’t think I would’ve made it through being so far away from my family for the last three years without her.

And it hurts my stomach to know that she might not know that—that she’s not a burden to me. That she’s the opposite.

By the time I reemerge from my room, Sadie is awake and my phone has racked up twenty-six missed calls from Tyler. It isn’t until I’m out of the dorm building and walking toward the gym for a quick indoor track run that I finally answer.

“What?”

Stay firm. Be strong.

“Jesus Christ, Ro,” he says, his anger nearly making me stop completely and turn back for my room. “I’ve been worried sick.”

“Not that worried, considering you left me stranded an hour outside of town.”

“I’m the one who spent all night trying to call you and check on you.Youignoredme.”

“I told you I was home safe and needed to be left alone. I needed space—”

“I said I was fucking sorry, Ro. I shouldn’t have left. And honestly,I wouldn’t have, but you were kind of being a bitch and I got really upset and needed to go home.”

“You left me there alone, Tyler, without any of my stuff. It’s not okay.”

Good. I want to pat myself on the back. Quick, but firm.Don’t get drawn into this again.

“It was one time.”

I almost scream.

“It wasn’t though, was it? It wasn’t even the second time. Literally less than a month ago you left me stranded at a restaurant for hours.”

“I said I was sorry for that,” he bites out. “But go ahead and rake me over the coals for it, again.”

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