Chapter 11 In just a few days, Tanner had become completely unrecognizable.[] He looked utterly wrecked-a cigarette dangling between his fingers, eyes bloodshot and shadowed like he hadn't slept in days.]] "So what's this, Addie? What's really going on?"]] He finally noticed the daylight behind me-the kind of soft, grey London light that Michigan never gets. The reality seemed to hit him all at once. "Where are you?"]] I didn't flinch.] "Tanner, I told you. We're broken up. I don't need to update my ex on my life. And leave my mother out of this."[] "Ex?" He let out a wet, broken laugh around the cigarette.] Then his voice cracked.]] "All this... over a fucking Gatorade? You blew up our entire relationship... over a drink?"[] "Yeah. So?"] "God... Jesus Christ," he mumbled, wiping his face with the back of his hand. "I don't... I don't even get you."[] "You followed me to Michigan. You turned down Oxford for me. And now you drop out, leave the country-without a word-because I handed a drink to someone else?" [] He was fully crying now. "I don't accept this, Addie. You don't get to just quit us.' "You agreed to the breakup."] "That wasn't real! You were pissed-I thought you needed space! I was waiting for you to come back!"] "What you thought doesn't matter," I said, voice cold. "You got sick of my tears. Well, I got sick of crying over you. We're done."[] He stared, genuinely lost. "When did I ever say I was sick of you crying?" ] "You really don't remember?" ]] My smile was thin. "That night at the bar with Ayla... her 'accidental' video call. I heard you, Tanner."[] I held his red -rimmed eyes. "All the crying... it's exhausting. Ring any bells? " He went pale.[] "I was just-frustrated! I didn't mean it! If I hated it, why did I always come back ? Why did I put up with every fight? I loved us."] Chapter 11 Tears streaked down his stubbled face. "When you didn't text for two weeks, it tore me apart. I waited every day... Why would you think I didn't want you?" ] ] "When I realized you weren't back at school..." His breath hitched. "I lost it, Addie. I called everyone. I thought something happened to you. I never thought you'd just... leave me.' :"0 His voice dropped to a raw whisper. " How could you be this cold ?" ] I turned away, done.] "You finished? Go talk to your 'best friend' if you're lonely. I'm going to eat."[] He laughed bitterly. "You're still hung up on Ayla... which means you still care. Don't you."]] Silence.[] "Don't you dare block me again. That's my last line."[] His voice was rough, desperate. "Don't make me fly to the UK and find you, Absolutely delusional.[] I ended the call.] )(0) Addie."]