The late afternoon sun cast long, dramatic shadows across the lawn as Andie stepped out of Steff's car, a daze settling over her. Watching him drive away, she finally turned towards her house, her dads anxious face looming from the front door.
He bombarded her with questions as she made her way inside.
'Where were you? We've been worried sick! Blaine told me you went out for some air, but couldn't find you. He's been calling non-stop,' her dad's voice was a whirlwind of concern, his hand nervously tracing the lines of his freshly cut hair. 'You could have told us where you were going.'
Andie winced, the realization of her impulsive decision hitting her like a wave. 'I am so sorry, dad. I got a ride with someone I knew, it was kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing.'
His anger simmered, and the lines of worry on his face softened slightly. 'Well, next time, please tell us!'
'I will,' she promised, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. 'I really need to take a shower, but I'll be back.'
She excused herself, hurrying to her room. Leaning against the bedroom door, the lingering warmth of Steff's touch still seemed to radiate from her skin. She replayed the whole event, the feel of his hands on her, the intensity of his kiss.
He'd taken her to a secluded area in the hills, where they could overlook the entire town. It was like a fever dream, all the repressed sexual tension had just exploded in that moment.
Andie did something she thought she would never do in the backseat of Steff's car. Did she regret it, strangely not. A thrill, a forbidden kind of exhilaration coursed through her veins.
What was she going to tell Blaine?
Despite his apology, a chilling doubt lingered within her. He'd listened to his friends, let their judgement sway him, and she could not longer fully trust him. The memory of his shame, his reluctance to be seen with her, felt like a cold hand gripping her heat.
Steff, on the other hand, never cared who saw them together. His jealousy, though possessive, stemmed from a raw, undeniable passion. It was a passion that burned hotter than anything she ever experienced with Blaine. It had been both terrifying and exhilarating.
The decision, though daunting, was clear. She needed to end things with Blaine, even if Steff decided it was a one time thing. The thought of continuing a relationship built on doubt and lingering resentment felt exhausting. Plus she'd now officially cheated on him.
Was Steff going to tell Blaine?
Andie glanced at the pink phone on her nightstand, a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach. It was probably best she told Blaine, before he found out from someone else.
But one thing was for sure, she wasn't going to go back to the way things were.