“I was going to say obnoxious.”
“It may shock you to know, but being in a good mood isactuallynot synonymous with obnoxious.”
“Lila is cool,” I finally said. There, that was all he’d get out of me. In reality, that was a giant understatement. I hadn’t enjoyed myself with anyone like this in years. In fact, she had made me realize that it had been something that was missing from my life. I was so used to being focused on acting a certain way at all times, I had completely missed out on how good if felt to let loose a little.
“When’s the wedding?” Oliver probed.
“What is your obsession with setting us up?” I hissed, glancing up to make sure the door to our shared room was still closed.
Oliver grinned back at me as he closed a door behind him.
“Because maybe I think she’d be good for you.”
“How would you know?” I felt defensive, although I didn’t know why.
“Are you serious? Dude, I’m your best friend. We’re basically family. You don’t think I have any clue what kind of girl you might mesh with?”
“She’s perky,” was all I said.
“Fuck,I’mperky.”
“Right. And I can’t handle another you.”
Oliver rolled his eyes. “No, I think you need another me. I’ve tried for years to get you out of your shell and failed, so might as well give Lila a go. Plus, you know she likes you.”
That was news to me. A slight flicker of something resembling hope came to life in my chest before my mind snuffed it out.
“She definitely doesn’t,” I insisted, although I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t noticed how her gaze had lingered on me at least a few times today when we were swimming. Maybelikewas too strong a word, but there was definitely some sort of mutual attraction brewing.
“I don’t know, man. She’s always asking about you. Seeing if you’re coming to things, or if she comes to the house and you’re not there she asks where you are. Seems like she has some level of interest.”
“You think?” I tried to add concern to my voice instead of intrigue.
“Not just me. Charlie thinks so, too.”
I was sure Lila would be just as thrilled as I was to learn that Oliver and Charlie were discussing our non-existent, improbable relationship behind our backs. But still...
“Charlie said that?” If her best friend thought so, then maybe there was some truth to Oliver’s ramblings.
“Yep.” The smug look on Oliver’s face was more than I could take.
“Nothing is going on with us.” I felt the need to repeat. “Go on your little sunrise hike and stop bothering me.”
“I’d say I wish you were here, but I think you’reexactlywhere you’re supposed to be.” He winked just as I ended the call.
“Fucking Oliver,” I breathed, attempting to rub the tension out of my neck. He was full of shit. I knew that. But his words still scratched incessantly at the back of my mind. Did Lila like me? I mentally went over our entire acquaintanceship. Aside from her constant attempts to befriend me, I really didn’t see any substantial evidence that would lead me to believe she could have a crush. Which was good, in theory, because we wereabsolutely not a compatible pairing, despite whatever shit Oliver was spouting.
“Hey there.” Nigel’s overly cheery voice sent a shiver down my spine. Dealing with him was the last thing I wanted right now.
“Hey.” I nodded in greeting.
“You and Lily going to join us for another night out?” he asked. I didn’t like that hopeful look in his eyes. I didn’t care how harmless Lila thought these guys were; if she gave them even a suggestion of interest, I guaranteed Nigel would take it and run with it.
“It’s Lila,” I corrected him. I wasn’t sure if she liked the nickname or not, but I certainly didn’t appreciate it. “And I don’t think so.” I stood up, so he would remember that I had nearly five inches on him. Probably overkill, but whatever.
“You sure? Should be a good time.”
“Not tonight,” I said, praying he would leave before Lila walked out of our room. She had said she was completely wiped after spending all day driving, but I wouldn’t put it past her to still insist we go out.
