AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Probably.
Maybe.
Blake
You’re welcome. After all, what are frenemies for?
She doesn’t reply that time, but I think I see her smirking down at the phone. And I could swear her body language changes after that and she keeps a little more distance between them.
Our server brings out some brownie and peanut butter concoction while my table mates sing happy birthday to Mark, and it gives me an idea. I call the waiter over and ask him to bring the same dessert to my friends. As a gesture of goodwill.
A few minutes later, I watch as Loren’s eyes light up when the dessert gets delivered. That is, until Rowan says something that has them all looking upset, and the server whisks it away. She smiles apologetically at her date, I assume because he sent the peanut butter brownie back after figuring out it came from me. While it pisses me off that he’s denying her this small pleasure, I can respect the fact that I’ve crossed a boundary. In fact, I might think less of him if he hadn’t refused it.
It’s not long after when my table starts to clear out, just as Loren and her date pass on their way to the door. Rowan and I trade polite nods before I impulsively reach out and grab Loren by the arm. He stands by, looking concerned, but he stays silent.
“Hey, thanks for trusting me,” I lean in to whisper near her ear.
She blinks a few times, seemingly surprised. “Sure,” she replies, glancing down at my hand.
I reluctantly let go, noticing a slow smile spreading across her face. “It wasn’t happening, either way. He’s got a peanut allergy,” she admits quietly, lifting the container in her hand. I can see the peanut butter brownie through the transparent lid.
I grin back at her, and she turns to let Rowan lead her out. Even though Jada teases me for it, I move closer to the door so I can watch him walk her to her car.
I’m just making sure she’s safe, after all.
And then I drive home, alone, and go to bed, alone. Which is fine, except that I don’t end up alone in the very steamy, very realistic dreams that haunt me for the rest of the night and into the next morning.
CHAPTER 3
Loren
My phone vibratesbeneath the ever-constant pile of ungraded essays that graces the middle of my desk. I shuffle through the stack to check the message, which happens to be a dinner invitation from Tenley. It sounds like the results of today’s hearing are worth celebrating, since she and JD were able to secure custody of her nephew, Ethan, despite his absentee biological father’s attempts to break up their newly formed family.
I grin down at my phone, until I remember their legal representation.
As much as I’d like to join my friends, I’m equally unnerved by the prospect of having to face Blake again. I thought we’d managed a pretty good job of avoiding each other for the past few weeks, until he ended up at the same restaurant as my last blind date—the date he basically sabotaged. And the mere fact that I let Blake get to me is enough to warrant avoiding him for the foreseeable future.
Maybe I could tell them I can’t make it because I’m sick? I have been feeling a touch of indigestion with my coffee for the past few mornings.
One of my students walks up to my desk, his camouflage jacket reeking of campfire, body odor, and Axe spray. My stomach turns, and for a second, I think I might actually have a valid excuse for skipping out on everyone tonight. I cover my face with my hand, pretending to give careful consideration to his request to go to the restroom. Thankfully, the nausea subsides once he backs away and takes his offensive odor with him.
I answer Tenley, telling her that I’m happy to join them before I lose my nerve, then I get back to grading essays. About thirty minutes later, I receive another message from her.
Tenley
I’m glad you’ll be there tonight. It seems we have a lot to celebrate. :)
*image of positive pregnancy test*
I smirk down at my phone. Well, that didn’t take long. I vaguely remember Blake predicting this exact scenario within the month. Looks like they’ve proven him right with a week to spare.
Loren
*gif of shocked Pikachu*
WHAT A SURPRISE. I’M SHOOK.
Jk. Congratulations, my friend! *baby emoji* *two hearts emoji*
