Chapter 2

I slept the entire flight and didn't look at her once.

When we got off the plane, Tristan was waiting at the exit. He rushed forward and pulled Celine into his arms like they were a couple reuniting after a long separation.

Celine had never cared what I thought before, but this time she pushed Tristan away immediately and shot a quick glance in my direction. When she saw that my expression hadn't changed at all, something flickered across hers that could have been disappointment or relief.

Tristan didn't like being brushed off. He reached over and nudged her playfully. "Sophia and the others are throwing a party. Let's go. If we're late, they'll make us drink."

We walked out together. Tristan clicked his tongue and sighed. "It's raining today, and I left the umbrella in the car. What was I thinking?"

Celine reached over and ran her fingers through his hair, about to comfort him. Then she spotted the umbrella I'd already opened and snatched it right out of my hand.

"You're always so thoughtful, checking the weather before you come. You should come hang out with us."

I held back my irritation and shook my head. That was their circle, and it was one I'd never fit into.

Every time it was the same thing. Food I couldn't stomach, chairs that mysteriously vanished whenever I needed one, and inside jokes and memories that had nothing to do with me. There was no point in going just to humiliate myself again.

But Celine ignored my refusal and grabbed my wrist anyway.

The three of us squeezed under one umbrella, Celine in the middle, walking toward the car. By the time we got in, the entire left side of my shirt was soaked through while Tristan was perfectly dry.

When Tristan noticed the water dripping off my clothes, he wrinkled his nose. "That's disgusting."

Celine finally noticed and didn't hesitate. She started pulling off her own jacket. "Here, Gavin, wear mine. It's—"

"What the hell!" Tristan slammed his fist on the steering wheel, then threw the door open and stormed out.

Celine's face changed instantly. She scrambled out after him.

"I bought you that jacket!" Tristan shouted. "Why would you give it to that asshole? Are you trying to hurt me on purpose?"

Celine shook her head frantically. "No, that's not it. I just felt sorry for him. Didn't you see how pale he looked?"

"Oh, so you noticed he was pale? You didn't even notice I changed my hair color today! Why don't you just go hang out with him instead!"

Celine spent a long time soothing him before they finally got back in the car. For the rest of the drive, on Tristan's orders, Celine didn't say a single word to me.

We arrived at the restaurant a short while later. I got out, ready to leave. Then, Sophia Pratt came over to greet Celine, but said hello to me first.

"Gavin! You're back."

I nodded and was about to say goodbye when Celine seemed to read my mind. She came up behind me and pushed me into the private dining room.

Once I sat down, nobody paid me any attention. That was fine by me. At least, I could eat in peace.

Then Tristan dropped a piece of pork on my plate. He had a friendly smile on his face, but his eyes were pure malice. "Try the pork, man. It's really good."

I knew exactly what he was doing. He knew I had a pet pig.

I ignored him, and Tristan's childhood friend Derek Lowe didn't appreciate that. "No wonder nobody likes you. Would it kill you to show some manners?"

Celine felt embarrassed and stabbed the piece of fork, trying to shove it into my mouth. "Just humor me and take one bite. Everyone's watching."

Her friends were laughing from the side. "Celine, your boyfriend won't even listen to you. What's wrong? Can't control him?"

Nausea surged straight up my throat. I pushed my plate away and shoved Celine hard.

Tristan knocked his plate off the table and rushed to help Celine up. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

I looked at her once, calmly, then grabbed my bag and walked out. Sophia followed me, trying to smooth things over.

Behind me, Celine hurled a glass and screamed. "Let him go! Like I'm scared of that pathetic little lapdog!"

When I got back to Celine's place, I packed my bags without stopping and went straight to a friend's house.

Two hours later, Celine called.

"Where are you?"