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With a statement like that, I snap my head up and scan our surroundings just in time to spot two burly men heading towards our booth. Before I can even process it, Leia slides in beside me, and the guys take their seats.
Right now, I could throttle Leia. I know I said I needed a push, but this feels more like a shove. I don't do well with shoves.
I'm completely unprepared for this, and it's evident in the way my face flushes with heat. I make an effort to maintain eye contact, but my gaze keeps dropping to the table every few seconds. I need to summon the resolve from the pep talk Elliott gave me. Leia shoots me a nervous smile, and we both turn our attention to the two imposing men seated across from us.
For a fleeting moment, I steal a glance at Lincoln, and he looks incredibly attractive with his dark, unruly hair and a hint of curls at the nape of his neck. His grey t-shirt clings to his massive chest, and his arms are lined with prominent veins. I'm going to melt.
But my reverie about Lincoln's looks is disrupted when Ronan breaks the awkward silence, mercifully so, because the silence is excruciating.
With a grin, Ronan blurts out, "Fancy seeing you guys here." What a moron. He's acting as if I'm unaware that he and Leia orchestrated this little rendezvous. No one laughs at his comment. He repeatedly tugs at the collar of his shirt in an attempt to cool off. "Tough crowd."
Directing his attention to me, Ronan states, "Alright, let's get right to it. Lincoln has something he'd like to say to you." I shift my eyes to Lincoln, who turns to glare at Ronan before slowly locking eyes with me.
With a serious expression, he says, "I didn't mean to make you cry. The comments I made were wrong, and I want to be friends.” His words sound more like a question than a statement.
"With me?" I reply skeptically. There's no way I'm opening myself up to him just so he can hurt my feelings again. He looks to Ronan for reassurance, and Ronan gives him an encouraging smile.
"Uh, yes," Lincoln affirms.
My eyes widen as I exclaim, "But you were so mean to me!"
Hell yeah, go me!
Ronan steps in, offering an explanation, "He has a hard time making friends. I'm sure you can guess why. He basically only has me, which is how I like it, but there is room for you." He playfully nudges Lincoln in the ribs. "Right, Linc?"
Lincoln gives a single nod and says, "Yes."
I'm not entirely sure if I believe he genuinely wants to be friends with me, but I trust that Leia wouldn't set me up for failure in a situation like this. If she thinks it's a good idea, then I have to consider it. I've never had a guy friend before, and it might be an opportunity to push myself beyond my comfort zone. Leia is all for it, and so is this guy Ronan.
Okay, I can do this. One more chance, and that's all I'll give him. What if he has a hard time with people, just like I do? I can't be a hypocrite, acting as if he's awful, when I'm well aware of how awkward I come across to others.
With my mind made up, I muster a smile that I only half feel. "Okay, I'd like that," I tell him. I'm not even nervous anymore.
Go me!
* * *
LINCOLN
Sutton looks absolutely stunning tonight, and it only deepens my guilt for how I've treated her since we first met. Those icy glares I've been shooting her way on campus probably haven't helped matters either.
It's not like I'm intentionally trying to scare her off with a hostile expression. It's just my natural resting face, and typically, I don't lose sleep over the looks I give people. But for some inexplicable reason, I don't want to drive Sutton away.
Turning my attention back to her, her cheeks seem to blush deeper by the second. She flashes a charming smile and says, "Okay, I'd like that."
The reply felt a bit forced, but who am I to judge? I'm stepping out of my comfort zone here too.
Am I making it too obvious that I'm uncomfortable with the idea of being friends with Sutton? I can't quite wrap my head around it.
A new friend. One I didn't ask for, but perhaps it might be alright. Ronan wouldn't have pushed so hard if Sutton and Leia weren't genuinely good people. But then again, what does Ronan really know?
I keep repeating every reassuring thought in my head, desperately trying to convince myself that this is a good thing. I could use another friend, a real one. Deep down, I know that.
Another burning question that's missing a satisfactory answer is whether men and women can be just platonic friends. Ro doesn't seem to have any, and I can't name any either. How is this going to work?
Ronan suggests, "Why don't you give him your number?"
I might have spoken too soon. I want to hurt him.
