Ian Deavil.

"You taking the bus?" Alec asks me when I come out of my room.

"Yeah." I nod. "Need some fresh air."

"Can I tag along?" He asks and I stare at him.

"Sure why not." I say with doubt.

Dad had gone to work over an hour ago leaving Alec and I as always.

We both head downstairs and Alec locks the door behind him.

He falls in step with me.

"Crazy dinner on Saturday right?" He asks and I stare at him with my eyes half closed.

"Dinner was two nights ago Alec." I say instead.

"So?" He asks.

"What is it?" I ask him. "What is it you want to tell me, ask me, that you can't seem to bring up?"

"What exactly did Mia tell you?"

There it is.

"That you're douchebag and a jerk."

He holds my wrist to stop me and turns me around.

"You know I didn't mean it that way."

"I thought I did."

"Alex, listen. I was petrified."