Page 48 of The Golden Scoop

I try to mind my own business, but his knee bumps against mine under the table.

“You’re frowning at your food,” he says. “That can only mean one of two things.”

I scoff. Here we go again with Matt somehow knowing everything about me. When did this happen? Is it normal to know more about your enemies than you do your friends?

“Enlighten me,” I deadpan.

“Well, either I said something that made you mad…”

Very plausible, but not this time. I wish my feelings were rooted in anger.

“Or you’re overthinking.”

That’s broad. I overthink for at least one third of the day.

“Nope. Not this time.”

Matt raises an eyebrow and hums.

“Ah, then it’s the third one.”

Now it’s my turn to raise an eyebrow. He chuckles, then drops his voice an octave.

“You’re thinking about yesterday.”

I’m desperately trying not to think about it.

“Wrong.”

“Then why haven’t you come up with another outing?”

I haven’t because the more time I spend around you and your ridiculously charming smiles the less I hate you. And that’s something that would end badly for me, I think. Two weeks. That’s how long he’d stand me before he decided he’s had enough.

“I don’t have time.”

“Or maybe you’re purposefully trying to not have any.”

My stomach flips. I might as well have a neon sign above my head. I can’t hide anything from him. He’s a mind reader. An Emma reader.

I’m about to tell him I need us to be professional, for the article, but also for Julia and Harrison—we can’t dump more bad vibes into the friend group than we already have—but my phone lights up with an incoming call.

Tom.

Perfect timing. A lifeboat from this conversation.

“Sorry, I have to take this.” I grab my phone and I migrate to the other side of the cafeteria, with Matt’s eyes following my every move.

“Emma!” Tom says the moment I pick up. “I’m so happy to catch you. I’ve been thinking about you since I saw you the other day.”

“Hey, Tom. Everything okay?”

“Great now,” he chirps, clearing his throat. “I was wondering if you’re free tonight. I’d love to take you out.”

Tom’s a sweet guy. He’s never been anything but nice to me. Honestly, before now, I’d never considered it. Even after our surf run-in, I hadn’t really given it much thought. But now, it might be the solution to all my problems. Something to distract me from work and Matt.

He’s familiar, predictable, safe. And although I’m not looking for another casual thing, it wouldn’t hurt to have a little fun.

“I’d love to,” I tell him. “Full disclosure, though: I’m pretty busy.”