AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 32
Emilia
Kate looks at me through narrowed eyes and crosses her arms. “Where have you been lately?” she asks. “I’ve barely seen you in weeks now. I mean, I know I’ve been going out a lot… but more often than not you don’t even come home all night. What’s up with that?”
I glance at her nervously. I didn’t mean to do it, but I’ve mostly been avoiding Kate. Things between Carter and I have been even more perfect than I could’ve dreamed, and I’ve been scared of anything ruining our happiness.
I shrug and try my best to smile at her. “I followed your advice and decided to have more fun,” I say.
She grins at me and shakes her head. “Finally. I thought you’d be upset when things didn’t work out with Mason, but it looks like you full-on went on the rebound, huh? Good for you, girl. I’ve missed you though. Feels like we’ve barely seen each other.”
I nod and sit down on my bed. I’d planned to go over to Carter’s today, but maybe I should hang out with Kate instead. I can’t even remember the last time I hung out with her. When was it? A month ago? She and I have continued to grow apart ever since we started college, and for once I don’t want to be the one fighting for our friendship. I’ve done more than my fair share of that.
Kate smiles at me and glances at her phone. “Carter has been texting me pretty much every day recently, asking about my grades and all kinds of shit. I think Mom asked him to do it or something, because he’s being so annoying. I just texted him to say I’m coming over so he can tutor me on a few of the subjects I’m failing. That might get him off my back, but it’ll be boring as hell. You wanna join? We can catch up as well.”
I’m startled and instinctively grab my phone. Carter and I were meant to study together today, and I was planning on staying over after. I was going to make us dinner and try out a new recipe that Helen sent me the other day. I check my phone, and indeed, Carter messaged me.
Devil: Kate texted asking if she can come over. I said that it’s fine, but I forgot to check with you. I know we had plans. Is it okay if she joins?
Emilia: Of course, babe. I’m with her now. We’ll go to your place together.
“Yeah, I’ll come with you,” I tell Kate. “I doubt he’s trying to be annoying. I don’t think it’s your Mom, either. She’s been trusting us to be responsible. I think he’s probably just worried about you.”
Kate rolls her eyes. “Like hell he is. It’s Carter.”
I grab my bag and throw it over my shoulder while Kate puts on her shoes. “Come to think of it, if you and I have barely hung out, then you and Carter must not have seen each other in ages.”
I shake my head and bite my lip. “He’s still been tutoring me, so we see each other often enough. I’d probably be failing a bunch of my classes if he didn’t help me out.”
Kate laughs. “Right, I forgot. You’re both huge geeks.”
I’m nervous as we make our way to Carter’s place. We’ve managed to avoid both of us being with her at the same time, so this’ll be the first time we’ll all be in the same place since Carter and I started dating. I’m not sure how to act around Kate anymore. I’ve gotten so used to touching Carter and being in his lap or in his arms. It’ll be strange to have to hide our relationship in her presence.
Carter opens the door just as we walk up. His eyes drop to my lips and he bends down and leans into me, before thinking better of it. He hugs me instead and then moves to hug Kate.
“Sup, bro?” Kate says as she barges in. I follow behind her. There are only two more months left before we go home for the summer. We’ll need to tell Kate soon, but I just don’t want to.
Carter winks at me as he walks to the sofa, both of us dropping to the floor by the coffee table in our usual spots. Much to both of our surprise, Kate actually does study for a couple of hours, pausing only to ask Carter questions.
“So how have your grades been?” I ask. She hasn’t shared much with me, and I’ve gotten quite used to her being too hungover to even attend her classes. I probably should’ve checked in with her a bit more often, but I’m wary of treating her like a child.
Kate grimaces and shakes her head. “Let’s just say that I might actually need Carter to tutor me every week if I want to save my GPA.”
I shake my head and focus on my own work. Only a handful of tests left before we’re finally done. I can barely believe how much time has passed, and how quickly it’s gone. I’m actually pretty excited to be back home for the summer. I know Carter will be training for the new season, but at least we won’t have classes on top of that too. This will probably be our last summer with not too many responsibilities. Next year I’ll probably want to find an internship.
“Shall I make dinner tonight?” Carter asks. I grin to myself and try my best to hide my smile as I shake my head. I’m planning on making fake cake pops today. I bought a batch of Brussel sprouts that I’m going to coat in chocolate and serve to Carter for dessert. It’s going to be the perfect trick, and I can’t wait. I smile as sweetly as I can and Carter narrows his eyes.
“No, I already planned what I wanted to make. You can cook next time, okay? I wanna try a new recipe your Mom sent me. I’m getting just a little homesick, so I thought it might be nice.”
Carter nods and Kate claps in excitement. “Oh my gosh, yes! I can’t wait,” she says. I grin and get up to prep the food.
As expected, Carter follows me into the kitchen. He wraps his hands around my waist and pulls me flush against him. I rise to my tiptoes as his lips find mine, and Carter lifts me on top of the kitchen counter. “I can’t deal with you sitting so close and being unable to touch you,” he whispers. “I want everyone to know that you’re mine. I don’t want to hide this any longer.”
I smile against his lips and pull away. “This summer,” I promise. “I think it’s time we tell everyone too. Let’s tell your parents and Kate together.”
Carter drops his forehead against mine and sighs. “I can’t wait,” he whispers. “There’s no way I can stay away from you all summer.”
I nod in agreement, but part of me dreads the thought of telling them nonetheless.
