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“Like I said, it’s complicated. Did Ford mention that our parents are getting remarried? Or that us being together could be an issue with Crawford’s bid for re-election?”
Even though those are two solid reasons for pulling the plug, I don’t mention the other one.
The one that bothers me most.
He shakes his head. “No, he hasn’t said much of anything lately. The guy is moping around the apartment and being a real downer. And he’s total shit on the ice. If he doesn’t get his head out of his ass, he’ll be riding the pine for the foreseeable future.”
My heart clenches.
I hate that he’s been hurt in all this.
More than that, I hate that I’m the one who inflicted the pain.
I never imagined that we’d get so deep so fast when I agreed to sleep with him.
After what happened in high school, maybe I should have.
Unfortunately, Ford isn’t the only one I’m avoiding. I haven’t spoken to Crawford either. Usually, we text every day. And he’s checked in, but my responses have been one worded. I’m embarrassed that he walked in on us. Even the memory is enough to heat my cheeks.
I have no idea how to get our relationship back on track. I’ve been toying with the idea of stopping by so we can talk but I’m being a total chickenshit about it. I keep coming up with excuses and then another day slips by.
“I’m sorry to hear that about Ford. I’m sure he’ll bounce back. It probably doesn’t have anything to do with me, anyway.”
His brows rise as he cocks his head, disbelief filling his eyes. “Do you really think that?”
I don’t know. I don’t know anything anymore.
The need to shut down this conversation thrums through me and I say quickly, “I really appreciate you checking up on me, but I should probably get my ass moving or I’ll be late,” I mutter, refusing to delve into the shitshow that has become my life with my bestie’s new boyfriend.
With a pop of his shoulders, he shoves away from the door. “All right. I’m sure Jules will be around if you want to talk later.” His gaze stays pinned to mine as his voice dips. “She’s worried about you.”
Juliette’s a good friend. The absolute best one any girl could ask for. I’m going to miss her when we part ways next year. I shut down those thoughts before I turn any more maudlin.
I force a small smile. “There’s no reason for her to be concerned. It’s all good.”
“If you say so.”
Just as he disappears into the hallway, I call out, “Thanks again.”
He throws a glance over his shoulder. “It’s not a problem. You’ve always been there for Jules. If you ever need a male perspective on matters, I’m here.”
It’s a surprise when I have to blink back the emotion that stings my eyes. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
With that, he swings away before slipping inside my bestie’s bedroom.
Even though my heart feels raw, I couldn’t be happier for Ryder and Juliette. I’m over the moon that they found their happily ever after. Being able to watch their love story unfold has been more satisfying than any romance novel I’ve ever read. Even the spicy ones that have me pulling out my vibe.
Now that my decision has been made, I toss off the covers and roll from the bed. Fifteen minutes later, I’m dressed for dance class. I’ve thrown my hair up into a bun and have guzzled down six ounces of piping hot coffee before nibbling at a protein bar.
Juliette gives me a quick hug as I’m getting ready to leave and tells me that we’ll talk tonight. Maybe that’s exactly what I need. To unload and get her perspective on matters. As I close the door, I glance up and find the one guy who’s been front and center in my mind this entire time.
Everything inside me freezes.
Even the air in my lungs.
He grounds to a halt as well.
For a long moment that hangs in suspension, we simply stare. I can’t help but greedily drink him in. The urge to reach out and run my fingers over the sharp lines of his face pounds through me like a steady drumbeat. It wouldn’t take much to close the distance that separates us.
