Chapter 47

Evan's POV

I couldn't believe my eyes. It was her, it was my Annie! I finally found her. But then everything was ruined when she found out about Lily and I. Fuck...why did I have to get together with Lily in the first place? I wish I could go back in time and change everything.

Lily's eyes were dark and she looked upset the entire way back to the hotel.

"So what? you are going to throw me out like a piece of trash now that you found Annie?" Lily asked as soon as we went inside the room.

"That's not what I was thinking about doing," I said irritably.

"Then what, Evan? What were you thinking about doing? We both know you are still in love with her," she said.

"Lily, please...I don't know anything anymore," I looked down and sighed.

Her eyes softened and she moved closer to me. "I know you love her but you need to make a choice. The sooner the better," she said.

I knew what I wanted. It was always Annie. But it has been a long time so I didn't know if she even felt the same way about me. What if she doesn't love me?

"I need time to figure this out. I am gonna go sleep in Mike's room tonight if that's okay," I said grimly.

"Fine. It's probably for the best," she said.

I walked out of the door and stayed outside for a few minutes. Why do things have to be so complicated? I wish we were back in high school when things were simple. I was some dumb bully and Annie was my errand girl, I smiled at the thought. I still feel guilty about torturing her back then but it was an excuse to keep her close to me.

I knocked on Mike's door.

"Go away, I am sleeping!" he yelled out.

"Open the door idiot, I am sleeping in your room tonight," I said and knocked again.

Mike opened and smirked. "Why? Did Lily kick you out because you went all gaga over your long-lost love?" he said.

"Fuck off. I just need to be alone," I said irritably.

"Fine. Good thing there's two beds or you would've been sleeping on the floor," Mike opened the door wider so I can come in.

"You know it wouldn't be fair to Lily if you just toss her aside as soon as Annie's back in the picture. She has real feelings for you," Mike said.

"You are just saying that because you want another chance with Annie," I snarled.

Mike grinned. "That may be true but am I wrong about Lily?" he asked.

He wasn't wrong. Even though Lily and I agreed to become friends with benefits, it wasn't fair for me to ditch her without any type of closure.

"Besides, we don't even know if Annie's even available. It has been a year. Maybe she has a boyfriend now," he said.

I didn't even think about that. She is sweet and beautiful. Any guy would be lucky to have her. I didn't want to think about it and spent the rest of the night in agony.

In the morning, I was nervous to see Annie again. I wondered if she will show up. I looked at Lily who still wasn't talking to me properly and had a grim expression on her face.

We went to a cafe and waited for her. Mike texted her and we all decided it would be a good spot to meet up.

Annie showed up in a few minutes. She tied her messy hair in a braid and wore a light pink summer dress. She looked bright and beautiful. I looked at her with admiration. I could see Lily giving me a harsh look in my peripheral vision, but I didn't care.

"Hey guys," she said quietly.

"Thank god you showed up. I was worried we scared you off," Mike said and hugged her.

"Um...no of course not. I am happy I got to see you again.

"Annie. I need to talk to you," I held her hand and squeezed it.

She fidgeted nervously and took her hand out of my grasp. "I need to tell you something too," she said.

"If it's about you guys going back together, don't worry about it anymore," Lily remarked bitterly. "Evan doesn't love me and he never will so you two are free to be together."

"What? Are you sure?" I looked at Lily with surprise.

"I am not happy about it but I never had a chance with how you always felt about her," Lily said. "I'll get over it."

"Wait a minute, guys, I haven't said anything yet!" Annie said and we all looked at her.

"I can't be with you anymore," she said quietly.

I felt a stab in my heart. How can she say that after all we've been through?

"Why are you saying that? Is it because of your grandma?" I asked.

"No, I am 18 now. She doesn't care if I date," she said.

"Then what? Because you live too far? We can make it work Annie," I said and moved closer to her. I brushed a few strands of hair away from her face. "I've waited so long for you, don't push me away."

"Evan, I can't be with you," her eyes were teary. "I thought about you all the time after I came here. I wished somehow we would be together again, but the year has passed, and things have changed. I..."

"You what? Just spit it out," I demanded to know.

"I met someone else," she said and exhaled.

Fuck...I was afraid that was going to happen.

"Who is it?" I asked.

"Me," A voice spoke, forcing us to look at him. I was looking at a guy our age with sandy blonde hair and dark brown eyes. So, this is the motherfucker who stole Annie from me!