Page 117 of Let's Get Textual

“Don’t be a stranger, dear. I’m sure we’ll see you for Christmas.” He winks at me, and I want to cry again.

I’ve been a hot mess all morning, alternating between pure anger and wanting to sob, but I’ve managed to hold it together.

Rose leans in for a hug and I return the gesture.

“Come back whenever you’d like, Delia, and bring that Marshmallow with you too.”

I give her a smile. “I will, Rose.”

We give another round of hugs and then finally make it out the door, piling our bags and Marshmallow back in the car.

“Do you want to grab a shake before we leave?”

“No, I’m fine.”

Zach’s brows shoot up. “Wow. You denying those heavenly shakes—you must really not be feeling good at all.”

I shake my head and he pulls out of the driveway.

I flip the radio on, lasting only a few minutes before I have to rest my head against the window and pretend to sleep for the rest of the ride. I can’t bear the thought of him trying to talk to me right now.

It doesn’t feel like we’re in a car. It’s like we’re packed inside one of those giant walk-in coolers and someone’s twisted the lock so we can’t get out.

“Delia? We’re about ten minutes from your apartment.”

I pretend to rouse myself awake, but I don’t say anything to him.

He pulls into the lot and parks the car. Neither of us moves.

“I’m going to go out on a limb here and say it’s not just your period bothering you. Did I do something wrong?”

It begins as a cough, but then it turns into a full-on belly laugh.

And finally, I’m sobbing.

“Delia? What’s wrong?” He reaches out for me and I dodge his touch as my sobs turn to laughter again.

I know I sound like a maniac right now, but I don’t care. The anger that’s been simmering beneath the surface is threatening to bubble over, and I’m about to lose my shit.

I feel like Little Red Riding Hood staring down the wolf, only I’m fighting back.

“What’s wrong? Are you really asking me that right now?”

His brows scrunch together. “Yes.”

Oh Zach, what a great actor you are.

“I’m worried about you over here. You’re starting to scare me. What happened? Please, tell me if I did something wrong.”

Oh Zach, what an asshole you are.

“You’re either an excellent actor or you’re getting some sick enjoyment out of this.”

“What? What the fuck are you talking about?”

“Seriously, Zach?”

He throws his hands up in frustration. “Yes, dammit!”

---