Free The One For Me by Layla James

supposed to be together. That makes me look slutty, still, you look like an asshole and teachers like you even less than they already do. ”
    Liam steps closer, his scent overwhelming me. I step back against his Jeep and stiffen. “Yeah, we are supposed to be together . So, why is it that you get pleasure out of making Hayden jealous, huh? That’s not very believable.” Liam’s jaw is set. It’s a little scary.
    So this is about Hayden? I bite my lip and shake my head. “Look, you know it’s just a plus to make him angry,” I say, my voice small. “It makes me feel better.” Wow, I didn’t realize how awful that was until I said it.
    Liam clenches his fist, leans closer to me and smiles. “Well, I’m not going to be your rebound or your puppet. I’m here to help us both out. You don’t want to look like a slut and I need the teachers to give me a damn break.”
    Ouch. I hate that that hurt.
    “Okay, so no more talking to other girls in public and I won’t smile at Hayden.” I scoff and walk around to get in his Jeep.
    “That’s not it Katy--,” Liam says, slamming the door, running his fingers through his hair. “Never mind. Just forget it. It’s not important. ”
    We don’t speak on the way home. I don’t know what to say and I assume he is mad at me. Oh well. It was nice seeing Hayden jealous. I don’t regret making him jealous. He deserves it and much worse.
    I bite my lip and wonder back to Jennifer’s blushing face after our make out session. She seemed to believe us. That’s good news. I didn’t even have to act like I liked it, because I did. I liked it a little too much. I’m going to have to learn how to control my emotions.
    I find my own cheeks heating. Good thing Liam isn’t looking or giving a shit about me right now.
    When we pull up to my house, my dad’s SUV is in the driveway. I watch my dad walk out of the house, two boxes balances on one another. My heart thumps hard against my ribs. Dad opens his door and shoves the boxes in.
    “Are you getting out?” Liam asks. It doesn’t look like Liam is going to invite me to his house today, or to play tennis.
    “Yeah,” I say, snapping out of my daze. “Um, yeah, I’ll see ya tomorrow.” I open the door and stalk toward my dad. He is adjusting boxes in the backseat when I get to the car door.
    “Hey,” I whisper.
    Dad pulls back, his salt and pepper hair hanging over his eyes. “Sweetheart,” he says, hugging me. “How are you?”
    I ignore his question. “Um, when are you moving,” I ask.
    He runs his fingers through his hair, closing his eyes. “Next week. Katy, listen. I know you’re upset--,”
    “Could you just try and work it out, Dad?” My lip trembles. “Please, stay for dinner, just try and talk to Mom---,”
    “Katy, please,” Dad says, resting his hands on my shoulder. “It’s not going to happen with us, we’ve been trying for years. It’s just time, you have to understand that. ”
    I close my eyes, twisting my face, trying not to cry. “Dad, you can’t just abandon us, please!” I beg. I grab his arms, pulling on him. “Please, don’t leave.” I’m crying now, hysterically.
    Dad closes his eyes, shaking his head back and forth. “Katy!” he screams. “I can’t. This is not your fault. I swear. It’s not. Just please understand that it can’t work out anymore. I love you and your mom. But, it just can’t.”
    My hands fall from his shoulders, I stumble back like I’ve been slapped. I turn toward the road , walking away from him. I hear him screaming after me, but I break out into a run, throwing my backpack onto the ground. Tears are streaming down my face. I wipe at them but they keep coming.
    I don’t know how long I run before I hear my name being called from behind me. I try to run faster but someone’s arm wrap around my lower waist.
    “Katy, K aty, please, calm down, it’s me. ” Liam is holding me, pulling me against his chest. “Katy,” he coos into my ear.
    I take a