Better Than This by Gracie Graham

Author:Gracie Graham [Graham, Gracie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cherry Valley Press
Published: 2022-01-17T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Angry clouds dot the gray sky, casting the parking lot in shadows. Throwing my backpack over my shoulder, I take my time, making my way down the path that leads from the school to the student parking, where I know Derek will be waiting for me. I avoided the band all day, but the inevitable has arrived. Our break-up is past due.

It’s funny how some of the worst things for you in life are the things you cling to the most. Ever since my date with Laird, I told myself breaking up with him shouldn’t be a big deal. The safety net of my friends would still be there, even though deep down I can see how toxic they are. Each of us is using each other for one purpose or another. Yet I cling to the remnants of the band and my friends like a lifeline, as if losing them means losing something vital. In reality, they’re probably nothing more than a giant anvil weighing me down.

I think of Laird—his sandy blond hair and blue eyes, his gentle touch and the way he looks at me like I’m this amazing human being. As if he really sees me. He’s the complete opposite of Derek, with his dark, roughened exterior and penetrating gaze. A boy who sees nothing but a guitar and how it might be able to take him where he wants to go.

Laird cares for me in a way no one ever has, and I let that knowledge carry me through the day and propel me forward. No one ever gets what they want by sitting around and watching it pass them by, and for the first time, I have a glimpse of good in my life, and I want more. There’s no way I would cling to Derek while Laird faded from my life.

Derek never really cared about me; I see that now. I was a convenience, nothing more. Which should make this easy. So, why does it feel so hard?

My heart pounds with every step as I make out his stalky form leaning against the side of his prized Mustang. I make quick work of his surroundings, and a wave of relief washes through me as I confirm he’s alone. The last thing I need is to do this in front of an audience.

I slow as I approach, and he turns to the sound of my footsteps. The moment our eyes meet, he crosses his arms in front of his chest in a defensive posture, like he somehow senses what’s coming.

I clear my throat as I stop in front of him, and his lips press into a firm line.

“Where’ve you been?” he asks while his gaze searches my face for clues.

I shrug, wanting to curl inside myself. But instead, I force my shoulders back and say, “I was busy today. I practiced with Mr. Neely in free period and at lunch. Listen, Derek, I—”

“Thinking about backing out on our show? I knew the other day when you agreed, you’d chicken out.

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