Chapter 53

MELANIE “Iwish I was there,” Tyler says. “You shouldn’t go to this thing on your own, baby girl.” I try to infuse my tone with confidence that I don’t feel. “I’ll be fine.” “That shithead should be going with you,” he adds with a growl. I sigh, not wanting to get into a discussion about said shithead right now. He tried to call me a few times after I walked out of his office four days ago, but he can go to hell. If he really wanted to be a part of this, he’d show his face and apologize for being such a giant dick. “I’ll be fine. I’ll call you later and let you know how it goes. Now I gotta go.” I end the call with Tyler and head out of the apartment building, trying to ignore the churning in my gut and the stream of negative thoughts racing through my head. This time it will be okay.Third time’s a charm, right? The sun is blinding when I step outside, and I shield my eyes from its glare, which is why I don’t see him until I almost bump into him. He holds out a hand to stop me from coll