To Love An Addict

Songs for this chapter:
- Yours - Conan Gray

Chapter Forty-Three
Tessa

My thoughts only stop racing in my head when my phone buzzes on my desk. I know it's Nate; I've been waiting for the message for the past half an hour.

Nate
We're outside.

I've managed to—for the most part—put everything that Albie had said to me on Monday, aside. I never brought it up to Nate, I acted completely fine in his presence. I persuaded myself that he lied—for the greater good. I have to believe that he wouldn't do something like that. If he did, then he's lied about more things than that. He's lied about where he was, what he was doing, who he was with. He's used me as a ticket out of the house, he's used me against his family, he's used me for freedom. Something he could have, if he changed. I have to believe he wouldn't do something like that. I have to have some faith.

Instead of bringing it up and doubting him, I planned a second date. I chose the restaurant we were originally planning to go to, and I asked Anderson to be our ride. He agreed, which means that the 'we' in question to Nate's message, is Anderson and him.

I've dressed up for this date. A red dress that I had borrowed from Daphne. Luckily, she didn't ask why. She just assumed. Albie was her assumption, and as much as I denied it, she agreed that I was allowed to have some privacy and promised not to press me on the matter anymore. Albie's sent me a few messages in the past two days, apologising for his abruptness and how that isn't how he is or was meant to be. I've ignored all of them, I have no effort to talk to him right now.

I strap my feet to a pair of black heels, grab my handbag and head out the door. I've already tipped my family off on the fact that yes, I am going on a date. And yes, it is with Nate. But no, I don't look like a—

"Hooker." Noel calls from the couch as I head downstairs. "What kind of date are you going on?"

"A fancy one. You think it's too much?" I pout, shuffling on my feet.

"God no. Tessa, red is so your colour. You look gorgeous!" Cassie compliments, gushing over my dress. I smile, nodding my head towards the door. "Have fun!" She sings. Sometimes I forget that she's younger than me. I nod, rushing to the door.

I'm quick to walk to Anderson's car. The early-Spring showers have started, pouring down all around me. I practically jump into Anderson's car, shimmying into the middle seat before my hair can get wet.

"Well, you look nice!" Anders exclaims with a smile.

I grin, "thank you." I tap Nate on the shoulder, leaning forward in the middle seat. "Hey." He turns his head around, smiling softly at me.

"Hey." He mumbles, kissing my temple, "you look beautiful. As per." I grin and plant a quick peck on the cheek before I sit back and buckle my seatbelt.

"Do you know where we're going?" I ask Anderson, who nods and starts the car back up.

"Yeah, Tess. We just need to make a quick stop first, if that's okay?" Nate asks, reaching his hand back to rub my thigh.

"Of course."

"Perfect, lead the way, Andy!" Anderson and I chuckle. He turns back to me, "we might be a little late, it's that's alright?"

"Sure." I am just happy to be here.

It doesn't take us long to get to our secret destination. Anderson pulls up outside a dimly lit house. The streetlights cast the rain out, it's gotten heavier since I've been in the car. Nate unbuckles his seatbelt, "be right back. Keep the lady safe." He says to Anderson, who only chuckles in response. He's quick to climb out of the car and sprint across the road, shielding his head from the rain.