He Promised Me Photos, She Got Them Instead Chapter 08

He Promised Me Photos, She Got Them Instead Chapter 08

My face turned bright red.

Fortunately, a boarding announcement came over the speakers at that moment. I managed a quick “Okay”

before hurrying away.

Behind me, I immediately heard Chloe playfully pummeling Nathan.

By the time I returned home, only one week remained before move-in day.

I spent that week buying everything I needed and meeting up with several classmates who would also be attending college in New York City.

When they heard that I had committed to UT Austin on my own, they refused to believe me at first.

Then they nodded emphatically.

“Hannah, I think getting some distance from Dylan and Madison is the right choice.”

“Dylan treats every girl like she’s special, and Madison is a fake-sweet, manipulative pick-me. Staying around them will only wear you down.”

I remembered how their constant criticism had once crushed my confidence until I felt completely worthless.

I raised my glass with a smile.

“Yeah. Things are only going to get better from here.”

After saying goodbye to my friends, it was not long before I was due to leave for college the following day.

I was checking my luggage one last time when the doorbell suddenly rang.

When I opened the door, the last person I expected to see was standing outside.

“Hannah, I brought you a ton of gifts!”

Before I could react, Dylan wheeled a suitcase inside as though he belonged there.

He opened it, revealing a wind chime made of seashells, a handbag, bracelets, all kinds of small pieces of jewelry, and various Miami souvenirs.

“Look. I bought all of this for you.”

“I made sure to get back today so you could pick out what you like and take it with you to New York.”

Dylan smiled as he spoke.

After an entire summer apart, he was tanner and thinner. He looked as though he had changed a great deal.

Then he opened his mouth again, and suddenly nothing seemed different at all.

“Come pick what you want.”

“You already take forever to pack, so you need to choose quickly and finish getting everything ready. Otherwise, Madison and I will end up waiting for you again tomorrow.”

“I bet you haven’t even bought your train ticket yet.”

“Good thing I already got one for you. I booked a little late, though, so I couldn’t get all three seats together.

Madison and I will sit together, and you’ll be a few rows behind us.”

When I continued staring at him without speaking, Dylan frowned.

Then his expression turned teasing.

“If you really want to sit next to me, that can be arranged.”

“You just have to promise me one thing…”

“Dylan.”

I cut him off.

I was on the verge of telling him I was going to UT Austin.

Then I remembered the hour and a half he had once made me wait.

For the first time, a petty impulse took hold of me.

I smiled as though nothing was wrong.

“I’ll sit a few rows back.”

“A good third wheel knows her place.”