“Hey.” She’s right in front of me, hands in the pockets of her coat. “Look at you. That bike’s an upgrade.”
“Yeah.” I chuckle. “Required for Bend, according to Zac.”
“Sounds like something he’d say.”
Her friend coughs, and Robyn introduces us.
“Hey Ellie,” I say, dipping my head in acknowledgment. “You guys enjoying the hike?” I ask.
“Trying to,” Ellie says. “It’s a bit muddy for my liking, but Robyn said that we need sunshine more than we need pastries.”
“It’s literally medicine,” Robyn says deadpan.
Ellie waves her hand at Robyn, adding, “And here I am. On my lunch break.”
I’m about to make some stupid joke when Ellie cuts in.
“Looks like you’re new in town. Are you feeling settled?” She steps a bit closer.
It isn’t anything too forward. Wouldn’t have fazed me a year ago, but today— “Well, not that new. Moved here in early February.”
Robyn’s just watching her friend. And it hurts a bit—that she’s so over me her friend clearly doesn’t even know we were together.
“Well…” Ellie cocks her hip and opens her cardigan. The gesture makes my spine tense, and I use my bike to roll away the slightest bit. It’s subtle enough that maybe it’s nothing, all in my head. “Maybe I could show you a few spots. Make sure you feel at home.”
Maybe this Ellie girl is just nice and I’m too full of myself, but Robyn takes a step back, leaning to retie her shoe, facing away from us. Maybe I’ve caught on just quickly enough, and she thinks I’m enjoying this—perhaps the thought even takes her back to when I did.
“So…” Ellie’s voice brings my attention back to her. She can’t be bothered to lower her voice.
She’s self-assured, but I can’t be bothered to lower my voice either. And I didn’t move here to meet the love of my life. I moved here to get her back, and she’s not namedEllie.
I swallow, steadying my bike between my knees. Rejection’s never fun. “Ellie, if you’re down for strictly friendly stuff… I have to say I’m not looking for anything else. Best be up front about it.”
She blinks. “Well, maybe we can start there, see where it goes and?—”
“No. I don’t want to give you the impression I’ll change my mind. I won’t.”
My hand curls around the bike handle. Honestly, friendship with a girl, especially a girl who’s expressed interest at any point, isn’t something I think I’ll ever be comfortable with again. Not after Tessa.
Ellie smirks—not a trace of offense or embarrassment. Just absorbing it. “Well, points for honesty.”
Robyn straightens, brushes dirt from her hands, and glances between us. She just gives me the smallest nod.
“Be safe out there,” I say, nudging my bike forward.
“Hey, Nate,” Robyn calls as I’m about to start pedaling. “Are you reading tomorrow?”
I nod. “Every Wednesday.” Just like last week. When she didn’t even seem to glance into my apartment.
“Well, maybe I’ll be there this time,” she says, one foot heading in the direction that takes her away from me.
“I’d like that.” I swallow thickly, drawing my eyebrows together as I think of something. “If Zac’s cool with it.” I clear my throat. “Last thing I want is to create problems for you.” I cast my eyes down.Pathetic.
“Oh…” She shifts on her feet, digging her left one a bit into the ground. “That’s not happening anymore. I mean, it wasn’t ever really a thing, but it certainly isn’t now.”
I nod, trying to keep the glee exploding in my chest underwraps. “Well, can’t say I’m entirely sorry to hear that.” I wink. “ButIwill be reading, for sure.”
Ellie’s brows crease then smooth—maybe she’s pieced the whole thing together. I don’t wait for it though. I just push on the pedals and ride off.
