Chapter 11
“Drive, Kyle! Just drive!”
Kyle didn’t ask questions. He stepped on the gas, pulling away from Debby’s house, watching as her father’s figure faded in the rearview mirror.
For a while, the only sound in the car was the hum of the engine. Kyle kept glancing at her every few seconds, but she just sat there, staring blankly out the window, her fingers curled into fists on her lap.
“You okay?” he finally asked.
No response.
“Debby?”
Still nothing.
Kyle sighed, gripping the wheel tighter. “Where do you want me to take you?”
“Just drive,” she murmured.
Kyle hesitated but did as she asked. He drove aimlessly through the quiet streets, his neighborhood now a blur of streetlights and parked cars. He kept stealing glances at her, watching the way her chest rose and fell unevenly, the way her fingers trembled slightly against the window.
“Do you wanna go to my place?” he asked after a while.
For the first time since getting in the car, Debby turned her head to look at him. She studied him for a moment, then gave a small nod.
Kyle didn’t say anything else. He took the next turn and headed toward his apartment.
As soon as the car stopped, Debby pushed the door open and got out. She didn’t wait for him. She walked straight to his front door like she had been there a hundred times before.
Kyle quickly followed, pulling out his keys. He unlocked the door and stepped aside, letting her in first.
Debby walked in, her eyes scanning the place. It was neat, simple, and smelled like him—like cedarwood and something fresh. But she wasn’t interested in any of that. She spotted the mini bar in the corner and headed straight for it.
The place looked different from the first time he brought her here. That night, she hadn’t really noticed much—too caught up in the whirlwind of emotions, the heat of the moment, the way his hands felt on her skin. Now, with a clearer head, she took in the space properly. It wasn’t just some bachelor pad meant for meaningless hookups. There was something lived-in about it. The slight mess of books on the coffee table, the neatly folded hoodie draped over the arm of the couch, the faint scent of coffee lingering in the air.
But none of that mattered right now. All she wanted was a drink.
Kyle frowned. “Debby, what are you—”
She grabbed a bottle of whiskey and twisted off the cap.
“Debby.”
She ignored him and brought the bottle to her lips, but before she could take a sip, Kyle snatched it away.
Her eyes flashed. “What the hell, Kyle?”
“Are you okay?” he asked, voice soft but firm.
She exhaled sharply and crossed her arms. “No. I’m eighteen, right? Legally allowed to drink.”
He studied her for a long moment before sighing and handing the bottle back.
She tilted the bottle back and took a long gulp.
Kyle watched her as she swallowed. He didn’t stop her this time. Instead, he walked over to the sofa and sat down, stretching his legs out and letting her have her moment.
Debby took another sip, then turned to him, brows furrowing.
“What were you doing in my neighborhood?” she asked.
Kyle leaned back, resting an arm over the back of the couch. “I was on my way to see you.”
Debby blinked. “You were coming to my house?”
He nodded.
Her heart skipped a beat. “Why?”
Kyle just shrugged, not offering an explanation.
Debby stared at him for a second before shaking her head. She put the bottle down and walked toward him.
Kyle’s eyes followed her movements.
When she reached him, he stretched his arms out slightly, an open invitation.
Debby hesitated, then stepped into them.
Kyle pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her waist. He didn’t say anything. He just held her, rubbing slow circles on her back.
For the first time that night, Debby felt like she could breathe.
After a long silence, she finally spoke.
“I think my mom and dad are about to divorce.”
Kyle didn’t react.
She frowned and pulled back slightly to look at him. “Why aren’t you surprised?”
Kyle leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. Then he gave her a small, knowing smile before replying. “Because my parents are divorced.”
Debby’s eyes widened. “What?”
