Page 98 of Popular Boys Don't Fall For Geeky Girls

She’s quiet for a bit before saying, “Maybe you can try to build a relationship with him.”

I puff out my cheeks. “I do try. But every time I talk to him, he barely responds. He just hides in his office.”

“Then don’t give up. I know he wants a connection with you, too, he’s just in too much pain. When he comes home from work, maybe you can ask him about his day. And tell him about yours. Even if he shuts down, he’s still listening to you. I know he cares about you. Just talk to him and hopefully one day he’ll be ready. But you should take the first step.”

I nod slowly as her words sink into my head. “You’re right. I do want a relationship with him. But it’s so hard.” I press my forehead to hers again. “Thank you so much, Willow. For listening to me and being so kind to me and for encouraging me. I’ll try to build a relationship with my dad and if he doesn’t want me in his life, then…”

“It’s his loss,” she says. “Because you’re an amazing person, Colt.”

My spirits lift. “Thanks. You’re amazing, too. I don’t know how many kids would sit in here and listen to me drone on.”

“I’m sure there are many.”

I shake my head. “Not anyone I know.” Vanessa often listened to me, but not like Willow. She never encouraged me or wasreallythere for me. Actually, now that I think about it, our relationship was all for show. I don’t think she cared about me. She just cared about being the queen of school.

Honestly? I’m glad she broke up with me because otherwise I never would have fake dated Willow and gotten to know how remarkable my “girlfriend” is.

“If it’s okay for me to ask, what happened to your mom?” Willow says.

I clench my jaw. “She walked out on me eight months ago and is now trying to weasel her way back into my life.”

“What do you mean?”

“She’s been texting me for the past few weeks, but I haven’t responded. I don’t want to. Sheleftmeright after my sister died. What kind of parent does that? No. She didn’t want to be in my life and now I don’t want her in it.”

She rubs my shoulder. “I’m really sorry. I don’t know what else to say. Is there anything I can do for you?”

I wrap my arms around her and bury my face in her shoulder again. “Being here with me is enough right now. Thank you. But…” I draw back. “I should take you home before your parents start worrying.”

She scans my face. “Are you sure you’re okay, though? Will your dad yell at you again?”

“No. He’ll stay in his office all night. Probably will be gone in the morning before I wake up. Don’t worry, he’d never hurt me. He’s not a violent person.”

“Okay. But text me if you don’t feel safe. I know my parents would take you in if you needed help.”

I hug her again. “Thanks. But like I said, my dad won’t hurt me.” I force a smile. “I guess parties at Colton’s are over now. Owen will be upset.”

“All that matters is that you’re okay and safe. Your friends can have their parties somewhere else.”

I smile crookedly. “When you signed up to be my fake girlfriend, I bet you never imagined you’d be dealing with all my baggage.”

She moves closer to me, hands going to the back of my neck where she clutches my hair. Staring into my eyes, she says, “I’m helping afriend. I’m not in this car with you because I feel an obligation as your fake girlfriend. I care that you’re hurt, Colt, and I want to help you.”

I don’t know why hearing her say that makes tears fill my eyes. “Thank you, Willow,” I whisper. Blinking the tears away, I force a laugh. “Wow. I’ve never felt so…raw in my life. You have a gift of making people feel like they can tell you anything. You’re a great listener and friend. But I really need to take you home.”

“Okay, but you’re sure you’re fine?”

I nod. “I’m feeling much better now. Thanks.”

We don’t say much on the drive to her house. All I can think about is how kind and sweet she was to me tonight. How patient, caring, understanding she is. For the first time in eight months, I felt close to someone. I didn’t have to pretend I was happy when there was turmoil inside me.

But I don’t feel that turmoil right now. Instead of thinking about the pain Dad caused me, I think about the sweet girl who makes my heart soar to the sky.

When we reach her house, Willow tells me not to get the door for her. I shake my head. “I want to walk you to your house, if that’s okay?”

“Okay.”

Edenbury is a pretty safe town, but you never know what creeps could be lurking around in the dark.

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