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I shrug. “I didn’t think I needed to.”
Sean folds his arms over his chest. “Why are you doing this?”
“Doing what?”
“Getting involved with Tara. You know she belongs to Troy.”
“She doesn’tbelongto anyone. She’s a person, not a piece of property. And this isn’t a date. It’s just two friends hanging out.”
“Then why didn’t you tell Troy?”
“Because he’d assume it meant something, and I didn’t want him getting jealous over nothing. Tara is just a friend.”
“You sure about that? Because I saw how you were looking at her.”
“What are you talking about? I was looking at her like I’d look at anyone.”
“Yeah, okay,” he says, not sounding convinced. “Just don’t be doing anything stupid.”
“I just broke up with my girlfriend. I’m not looking to get involved with anyone right now.”
“Then make this a one-time thing. Don’t be going over there after tomorrow.”
“Why? If we’re just friends, it doesn’t matter.”
“It’s not a good idea. I’m telling you, Jake, just leave her alone.”
“Why can’t I be friends with her?”
“Because you want her to be more than that. I know you say you don’t, but I saw how you looked at her. I know that look.”
“You’re wrong. I wasn’t looking at her like that.”
“I’d bet money I’m right about this.”
“You’re not. Whatever you think you saw is not what’s happening. I only see Tara as a friend.”
“You can tell yourself that, but I know you, Jake, and you’re not good at hiding when you like a girl. You’re just lucky Troy doesn’t pay attention to that shit.”
“If I was looking at Tara today, it’s because I haven’t seen her forever. I’m telling you, you’re worrying about nothing.”
“It’s not just you I’m worried about.”
“You’re worried about Troy? You just said he wasn’t paying attention.”
“I’m talking about Tara. She was looking at you the same way.” He glances at the house, then back at me. “You can’t let anything happen with her. I’m serious, Jake. She’s Troy’s girl, and if he finds out you’re messing around with her, he’ll beat you so bad you’ll end up in the hospital.”
“For the last time, nothing’s going to happen. I’m not going to start something with Tara. We’re just friends.”
“Yeah, well, it better stay that way.”
9
JAKE
“Where the hellwere you last night?” Dean says when I answer his call in the morning.
“I was at a party. It was loud. I didn’t hear my phone.”
