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“No? You should have heard him. Saying how hesees me. It was pathetic, really.” I groan, having spent the last twenty minutes recapping my session with Archer yesterday. She was out with Enzo until late and was asleep when I left this morning, so I haven’t had a chance to really talk to her until now. “I just can’t decide if he’s really that dense or if he actually believes the shit that comes out of his mouth.”
“You wanna know what I think?” She narrows her gaze from across the table.
“Based on how you’re looking at me right now, no, I don’t think I do.”
“You know what your problem is?”
“Not really, but I have a feeling you’re going to tell me anyway.”
“You always assume the worst in people.”
“I do not,” I’m quick to disagree.
“What has Archer done to you? Flirted with you a little? Is that really such a bad thing?”
“It’s more about the kind of person he is.”
“And you know him so well?” She drags another fry through ketchup before popping it into her mouth.
“Well enough,” I grumble.
“I think you hate him because he gets under that tough skin of yours.” She grins.
“He does not.”
“You forget I know you, Rory. You’re not as impenetrable as you’d like everyone to believe.”
“Why is it every time the subject of Archer comes up, I feel like you’re not on my side?”
“I’m always on your side,” she disagrees. “Which includes telling you the truth, even when you don’t want to hear it.”
“Your version of what you see as truth.”
“Truth is truth. There are no versions, only what is.”
“Do you hear yourself when you speak sometimes?” I can’t help but laugh at her ridiculous attempt at an explanation.
“Yes, and I sound like the beautiful, smart woman that I am.” She tips her nose in the air, daring me to challenge her, which of course, I never would. Because she’s all of those things and more.
“You’re lucky I love you,” I say instead.
“You’re lucky I love you,” she fires back.
“How’s your project going, anyways? Is Enzo behaving himself?”
“Does Enzo ever behave himself?” She grins.
“So you’re getting no work done, then,” I assume.
“Oh, we’re getting plenty of work done.” Enzo plops down next to Alina, cutting into our conversation as he drops his tray of food onto the table with a clang. “Just not classwork.” He kisses the side of Alina’s head before picking up his burger and ripping off a huge bite. “How are things with you and Arch?”
“What do you mean?” I’m instantly on the defense.
“The project,” he speaks around a mouthful of food.
“Oh, well, obviously we’ve been a lot more productive than the two of you.” I use my fork to gesture between Enzo and Alina before stabbing it into my salad. “On the project, I mean.”
“I’m sure it’s been a lot less fun, too.” He winks at my best friend.
