“It’s alright,” I tell him, though it normally wouldn’t be. “How was your workout?”
Cameron flushes, coming to a stop in front of me. “Oh, it was fine. Thanks.”
I know he has to be thinking aboutmycomment, about working him out myself, and that makes a small smile quirk my lips.
“Atticus!” It’s not Cameron this time but a much lighter, softer voice.
Cassie appears from behind Cameron, her long brown hair braided down her back, and her bright blue eyes peering up at me.
She… kind of reminds me of Atlas. Which, of course, means that even if Cameron wasn’t taking up most of my thoughts, she would never stand a chance. I could literally never have sex with her.
“Hello, Cassie,” I reply, greeting her casually.
“This is so cool! I’ve been dying to hang out again,” she says excitedly, grinning from ear to ear.
Cameron shifts awkwardly.
“Yeah,” he interjects. “Let’s go inside.”
I open the door and allow the two of them to walk in, noticing how Cassie is clinging to the back of Cameron’s sweater.
We find a booth located in the center of the diner, Cassie sliding in beside Cameron as I take up the opposite side.
“So, what have you been up to?” she asks me, resting her chin in her palms with her elbows propped on the white table.
“Just school work,” I tell her.
“School work?” Cameron questions, tilting his head to the side. “I thought you were our age.”
“Yes,” I draw slowly. “But university is a thing.”
His gaze falls away as he mutters a quiet “Oh.”
“What are you studying?” Cassie pushes, leaning forward.
“Business. One day I’ll take over my father’s company, and I need to be ready.”
“How exciting!” she exclaims.
Cameron releases an unsteady breath, fiddling with his own fingers. I watch him curiously. What’s with the attitude shift?
“What about you guys?” I ask, pretending to care aboutbothof them while looking back and forth.
“Oh, I’m not going to school. My dad already gave me a position as a receptionist at his orthodontist office,” Cassie answers casually, waving a dismissive hand.
“That’s… nice,” I reply. “And you?” My eyes return to Cameron, and he shrugs.
“I’m not going to school,” he says. “I’ll probably stick to working for my uncle.”
“At the auto shop?” I clarify, and Cameron shrinks in on himself.
“Yeah. The auto shop,” he confirms.
What the hell is happening? Does he not want me here after all? I thought he wanted to understand me so that I could keep my hands on him.
A waitress comes by before I can speak, and she takes our order before wandering off again.
“Well, I’m just excited you’re not leaving Port Orford the way Kyle did,” Cassie tells Cameron, and as she looks back at me and undoubtedly sees my confused expression, she explains. “Kyle was one of Cam’s friends in high school. His closest friend outside of me.”
