Page 31 of Apparently, I’m Torture

“I can’t,” I admitted, slumping my shoulders. “She doesn’t think of me like that.”

“What makes you think she doesn’t?”

“Maybe because she tried to set me up with her sorority president?”

Tristan shook his head. “That doesn’t mean anything.”

“Doesn’t it?” I lowered my voice to a harsh whisper. “How about the fact that she’s dating another guy?”

“Okay yes, there’s that. But if she knew how you felt, maybe she’d–”

“She’d feel sorry for me, because I have feelings she clearly doesn’t have, and then she’d tie herself in knots trying to make me happy, like she does with everyone else. All Lilly does is people-please, and I’m not letting her do that with me.”

I scanned his face, watching the challenge spark in him.

“We don’t have what you and Nikki have.”

Tristan uncrossed his arms, put a hand on my shoulder, and squeezed.

“I don’t think you’re right about that. I think if you tell her how you feel, things will change. Think about it. What do you really have to lose? If Lilly doesn’t feel the same way, you can reject the offer from South Bronx, and move on. But you shouldn’t leave without taking your shot first.”

His hold on my shoulder tightened, and he shook me gently before loosening his grasp. As he walked by me and back into the shop, the small, hopeful part of me started to wonder where I actually stood with Lilly.

Chapter 12

Shawn

Wednesday Afternoon

Tristy’s Coffee Shop

The door tinkled open and shut, and I pushed my mood to the side, ready to lose myself in our lunch rush, when the blonde bombshell striding toward the counter caught my attention.

Stacey?

Stacey never visited the shop. Why would she? With a Starbucks right next to Pace, why would she make the effort to travel up here?

She had to be here for Lilly.

Tristan didn’t seem to notice the pretty blonde at our counter, despite her standing in front of it in a barely-there satin sundress. It was March in Manhattan. It was freezing. How did she survive wearing such a tiny scrap of clothing on the subway?

Her glossed lips curved as she took in our kitschy coffee shop.

“Sorry ma’am, what can I get you?” Tristan gave her a smile as he leaned forward, taking the same stance he always did when serving.

Tristan wasn’t affected by Stacey’s beauty, but it definitely didn’t go both ways. Stacey’s eyes widened as she drank in the sight of my boss.

Lilly came out of the backroom, stealing my attention. She almost did a double-take as she registered her sorority president at the counter, but her eyes met mine as her head tilted in confusion.

“Actually, I’m here to see Shawn.” Stacey popped a hip, cocked her chin, and half-smiled. Her voice rose as she looked me up and down. “He can take my order.”

Tristan gave me a confused glance before he moved aside, letting me slide in front of the register.

I nudged my chin in Lilly’s direction and said, “I thought you might’ve come here to see Lilly.”

I could pinpoint the exact moment Stacey wanted to roll her eyes, but didn’t. Instead, her smile froze in place as she flicked her glance to Lilly.

“Hey, there you are.” She offered Lilly a lifted hand, then awkwardly said, “I had to come and check this place out for myself. The other girls rave about it.”