Jade:So.
Sloane:Say that again?
Jade:Thessa may have... kidnapped me?
Riley:WHAT
Jade:In a romantic way!! She showed up at my door this morning with coffee and told me to pack a bag. We’re going somewhere for the day. She won’t tell me where. It’s very mysterious and hot.
Sloane:Jade. That’s adorable.
Margo:That’s also technically a crime but go off I guess.
Riley:How are things with you two? You’ve been weirdly quiet about it.
Jade:I don’t know how to explain it. She’s just... easy? Like being with her feels natural. We talk for hours about nothing. She makes me laugh until I can’t breathe. She does this thing where she looks at me like I’m the most fascinating person she’s ever met and I just melt into a puddle of useless goo.
Sloane:That’s called falling in love, babe.
Jade:SHUT UP
Jade:...maybe
Jade:Also she told me something interesting
Riley:?
Jade:Her brother. Caelan. He likes you.
Riley:What?
Jade:Like, REALLY likes you. Thessa says he talks about you constantly. She’s never seen him like this about anyone. Ever. In his whole life.
Sloane:Is Riley seriously just now figuring this out?
Margo:The man got her a signed book from the author we were currently reading. That’s dedication. That’s a man who has a vision board with your face on it.
Sloane:Okay that last part was a bit much.
Margo:I’m not wrong though. That man has “will commit crimes for you” energy. It’s hot but be careful.
Sloane:That’s honestly the best kind of energy. On paper. Irl? Not sure
Margo:Yeah. Legally questionable but emotionally satisfying.
Riley:We’re just friends
Sloane:Sure. And I’m the Queen of Spain.
Margo:Long live Queen Sloane.
Sloane:The crown is a burden but I bear it with grace.
Jade:Thessa says you’re special to him, Riley. And coming from his sister, that means a lot.
I stared at my phone, heart pounding.
I knew Caelan liked me. You don’t almost-kiss someone multiple times without liking them. You don’t sleep in their bed and get hard against their thigh and look at them like they’re the answer to every question you’ve ever asked without liking them.
