Page 194 of When We Ignite
Because this was me.
He just didn’t like this version of me.
The door creaked, and Henry peeked inside.
“You better stay away from him too,” my dad snapped.
Henry kept his expression neutral. “Sorry, Mr. Bennett.” Then he nodded at Charlotte, who hurried over.
They spoke in hushed voices, and when I couldn’t take it anymore, I walked to them too.
“Ethan, I swear to God—” my dad warned.
I ignored him.
“Is he okay?” I asked Henry.
Henry sighed and shook his head. My stomach plummeted.
“I got a car for you…and a chopper,” he murmured low enough that only Charlotte and I could hear. “You’ll get to the city safely, okay? Ash said he’ll be in touch when he can.”
My chest ached. “Tell him I’m sorry,” I whispered.
Henry gave me a small, knowing smile. “This isn’t on you, E.”
Then he slipped back out.
As our parents continued their screaming match, Charlotte turned to me, wearing the same pitying expression I’d seen too many times in the past two hours.
“Shit, this is such a fucking mess,” I admitted, running a hand through my hair.
Charlotte’s hand was warm on my shoulder. “It is. But you’re handling it great.” Her voice was low, reassuring. “I’m on your side, okay? We’ve got this.”
“You’re not mad?”
She smiled, almost offended by the idea. “You honestly think I had no idea? Ash has been crazy about you since the moment he saw you, E. And he’s only gotten worse at hiding it over time. Like you.”
Something in my chest eased.
“So…you don’t think he’s a depraved old man?”
She rolled her eyes and pushed my hair back. “He’s sweet when he talks about you.”
My face heated at the memory of overhearing their conversation on the phone.
“You should’ve told me, though,” she scolded gently. “I could’ve helped.”
“I know,” I admitted, shrugging. “It’s just…he’s Oli’s brother. I didn’t want to make things weird for you. And now this whole thing is a disaster, and you’re in the middle of it.”
“Stop. It’s fine.” Her expression was steady, determined. “Oli and Ash will figure out work and their dad.You and Iare going to fix this.”
I nodded, swallowing hard. “Okay. Yeah.”
“You need to stop carrying everything on your own,” she said, her voice softer now. “Things are going to be bumpy for a while. But we’re here for you. Oli and me. You can lean on us, okay?”
“Thank you, Char,” I murmured, wrapping my arms around her.
She hugged me back, tight. “Just let me help now.”
