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“No. No, we’re not together.”
“Are you sure? Because that look he gave you, and then me, says otherwise. I’ve never seen him look like that.”
Finally meeting Caleb’s eyes, I see he’s not angry in the least. In fact, he’s smiling slightly.
What?
“We’re just friends,” I tell him. “But…” I look around the dining room to make sure everyone has gone back to minding their own business before continuing. “But, I don’t know.”
“It’s okay, Ellie. Do you want to go?”
“Do you mind? I feel like everyone in here is talking about me now.”
“Not at all. Let’s go.” Taking his wallet out, he leaves a few bills on the table without waiting for a check, and then we’re out the door.
“Thank you. I’m really sorry about that.” Wrapping my arms around my waist, I keep a foot of space between us as we walk back to his truck.
When we’re safely in the cab, I exhale, feeling like I’ve been holding my breath since the moment I locked eyes with Tyler.
“Hey,” Caleb says, placing a hand on my arm. “You don’t have to apologize. I had a nice time with you.”
“Me too,” I say automatically.
“But I think we both know who you should have been on a date with.”
“No, I–” I try and say, but he cuts me off with a wide grin.
“Ellie, don’t worry about it. I had a feeling you were holding back, and now I know why. And as much as I wish our night didn’t have to end so abruptly, I’m okay with just being friends.” He shrugs. “I mean, I’m going to need my donut fix a few times a week, and I don’t want things to be weird between us now.”
I’m surprised by the laugh that bubbles out of me. “I wouldn’t want to stand between you and your donuts.”
“Good.” He smiles, starting his truck.
Back at my apartment, I almost expect to see Tyler waiting for me on the stairs, but I guess that’s just my wishful thinking he’d come for me and try and win me back.
But why would he? He thinks I don’t care.
“’Night, Ellie. I’ll see you for donuts Monday.”
“Sounds good.” I hop out of his truck and take the stairs up to my door, each one feeling like more of a chore than the last.
By the morning, everyone will know about me and Tyler,andme and Caleb.
I’m sure all sorts of wild stories will start to circulate, and I know I’ll be bombarded with questions from all of my friends.
Too bad I know I won’t get enough sleep to handle it all.
Chapter 17
“What the hell is up with you, Ellie?” Ally demands when I walk into work the next morning.
Oh boy, they’re all here – Ally, Ashley, Melanie, and Courtney – and they’re all standing there, staring at me like I’ve lost my mind.
I ignored their messages from the moment I woke up, but I guess I can’t ignore them now. News spreads fast.
“What do you mean?” I ask, playing dumb, which elicits an eye roll from all four of them.
“You went on a date with Caleb, Ellie. What the fuck?” Ash demands.
