I do not.
Then shit gets awkward.
It’s a whole thing I like to avoid whenever possible.
“I asked you a question,” Riot says, slamming the side of his foot into my boot.
My head rolls around the back of the chair.
“I wasn’t listening to a word you said.” I snort, rubbing at my aching eyes.
It’s been a long day, and I’ll be sleeping on their couch or in an unfamiliar bunk tonight.
I like my pillows and blanket.
Dammit.
“Seriously, I don’t know how you do it,” Riot says, stretching back against the couch. “All the beautiful women in the world, throwing themselves at you, but you’re sitting around, moping and waiting for Cove to give you the time of day.”
“It’s painful to watch…” Creed says.
“They’re not her. She’s it for me.” I long ago got over the fact everyone looks at me like I’m a lovestruck idiot…because they’re right.
I am.
I’m not sure how many more years I can sit around waiting for a woman who might never want me, but I haven’t hit my breaking point yet.
“God, you’re like a loyal puppy—following her around just waiting to be petted.” Bellamy laughs, taking a swig of the beer she scoops off the coffee table. “And I like Cove. Don’t get me wrong, but at some point, she either needs to be real and tell you to move on because it’s just not happening, or she needs to give you a chance to fix things.”
I open my mouth to defend Cove, like I always do, but some part of me agrees with Bells.
It’s been almost three years of hell since that first heat. At least before that we were genuinely close, even if we were only best friends.
Now…
I don’t know how to describe what we are.
Sometimes, things seem fine. She’ll laugh with me, and it feels like old times. Other times, it’s like she can barely stand to look at me. I can breathe wrong, and she’ll jump down my throat.
For a long time, I just took it, but one thing I can’t keep my mouth shut about is how sick she’s been. Not without at least trying to make her see what a dangerous game she’s playing with the suppressants.
Maybe things got too fucked up to ever be repaired?
“Groupies throw themselves at you all the time.” Creed shrugs, shoving his hair back from his face. “Actually give one the time of day. You’re sure to get a reaction. You know I love Cove, but the hypocrisy is starting to get to me.”
“I bet she’d draw a line in the sand real quick,” Riot says, nodding his agreement.
I shake my head.
I might be wasted, but that is bad advice.
“For the love of God,” Bellamy says, jabbing her beer at me. “Do notever,under any circumstance, take their advice. I agree, you and Cove need to figure your shit out, but making her jealous won’t do anything but push the two of you further apart.”
“But what if it pushes her into actually showing that she cares?” Riot counters.
“We’re not saying he should fuck them,” Creed says. “Just a little harmless flirting.”
Bellamy scoffs. “Did you two idiots listen a single time my dad lectured you? No, it’s clear you didn’t.” Looking at me, she says, “They might have Issac’s DNA, but I swear they inherited my dad’s personality.”
