Page 109 of Prove You Wrong

‘No, Mum. I’m driving us. We’re not putting Nate out.’ I throw him a glare and pray he can read my mind. There’s no fucking way we’re going with him.

‘Oh, pish.’ Mum turns back. ‘Nathan is here and he’s ready to take us. Save you driving Helena, and probably a lot more comfortable.’

‘No, Mum –– ' She comes up with rebuttals to all my protestations and, somehow, I find myself in the back of the dirty SUV, clutching a foil wrapped parcel and trying not to glower at my own mum.

‘And you found time to make breakfast?’ My mum is cooing from the front passenger seat.

‘Didn’t want my best girls getting hungry,’ he replies, catching my eye in the rear-view mirror.

I swear I’d beat that dimple right off his face with the bacon butty if he wasn’t so far away. And driving. And actually, I’m hungry, so I’m just going to go ahead and eat this stupid roll.

By the time Nate pulls into the parking area at the hospital, the bacon has filled my belly and stiffened my resolve. It’s given me the fuel to work out how to convince Nate I’m serious.

We’re over.

We have to be.

Mum gets out first and I tell her I’ll catch her up.

As I open the door and slide out of the back, Nate unbuckles his belt quickly, meeting me on the tarmac.

I can’t quite meet his eye.

‘Nate, thank you for the lift but … we don’t need your help getting home.’ Looking over his shoulder, I stick my chin out. ‘I’ll order us a taxi.’

‘That’s silly, I’m happy to help.’ He tips his head, trying to meet my gaze.

‘But I’m not happy to receive it.’ I shake my head. ‘This thing between us can’t happen.’ I concentrate on his Adam’s apple and grit my teeth as I force out the words, ‘It won’t. I’m sorry but … it’s over.’

‘Ella — ’ He reaches for me.

‘I’m serious.’ I hold my hand up to him. ‘I’m focusing on my sister. She deserves better than half my attention and I need to look after her.’

‘I can help you.’ He strokes up and down my arm.

He’s not listening. Or not hearing me.

I have to make him understand.

‘But that’s just it.’ I shake out of his grip, hair spilling out of my bun. ‘I don’t want your help.’

‘This is bullshit, Ella.’ His forehead creases into a frown. ‘You don’t mean this.’

I risk a peek up to his eyes, but the intense way they search mine is unbearable and I look away, wishing I was braver. Wishing there was another way.

I know this is going to hurt.

But I have to do it.

It’s the only way he’ll get the message.

Taking a deep breath, I rip the plaster off. ‘I trusted you and look what happened.’ My voice comes out bitter. Unforgiving. ‘I deserve better than you. I deserve better than some biker guy who failed out of uni and can’t even settle at a proper job. It’s been fun, but who are we kidding? Party’s over. I need to get back to real life.’ Finally, I settle my gaze on him, unblinking, resolute –– a mask of defiance plasteredon my face. ‘Goodbye, Nate.’

I walk away, not daring to look back in case he sees the stream of betraying tears running down my cheeks.

Chapter 33

Nate

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