“Oh God, I didn’t throw up in his car, did I?”
“No. I would have killed you!”
She laughed and raised an eyebrow. “You realizeeveryoneis talking about you two, right? My sorority group chat has been lighting up all day about it.”
“What are they saying?” I bit my lip and looked at the floor, bracing myself.
“That they can’t believe someone managed to tame him.”
I laughed. “I’m not even with him. How would I tame him?”
“Lyla.” She shot me a droll look.
“What?”
“He practically declared his love for you in front of everyone.”
“No, he didn’t.”
“He totally freaking did.” She laughed, shaking her head. “Just let it play out. You know you want to.”
“Of course, I want to, Marissa,” I snapped. “But I can’t. You, of all people, know I can’t.”
“I hate it, but you’re right.” She smiled sadly and nodded her head slowly. “Why don’t you see him in private until we leave?”
“I don’t understand why he’s so adamant about me.” I threw my head back and closed my eyes. “I’m broken. Why would he want me?”
“Hey. No, don’t say that.” She sat next to me and threw an arm around me. “You’re not broken, and he wants you because you’re a fucking catch.”
“He’s only into me because I’m difficult.”
“That is not true.” She laughed as she pulled back. “Youaredifficult, but that’s not why he wants you.”
“I don’t get it.”
“You don’t have to. Prescott says he’s never seen him this way,” she said. “He’s never chased a girl or picked a fight with a teammate. Pres said, ‘Especially Mason, who roomed with him for three years.’”
My heart skipped. “I’m scared.”
“We’re almost out of here.” She squeezed my hand.
“God, I can’t wait to leave.” I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “I think I’ll even smile more once we’re gone.”
“Lyles.” She laughed. “I love you, but you’ve never been an overly smiley person. Even when you were sort of nice.”
I laughed. “That’s not true. I still smile sometimes.”
“Oh, God.” She laughed harder. “What you consider a smile is not what the rest of us consider a smile.”
I laughed again as she stood up and disappeared into her bedroom to finish getting ready for the party. When her music started blasting again, I brought my legs up to my chest and turned sideways. Luke dreamed of going to a brand new city where no one knew his name or family, where he could reinvent himself. We’d talked about it endlessly, how our friend group would get an apartment together. We’d already broken up for good, and our friendship had never wavered. I missed him so fucking much. I was just starting to drift off into a nap when there was a loud knock on the door. I groaned but kept my eyes closed.
“Marissa, someone’s at the door!”
“I’m doing my makeup. I still have to finish my hair,” she shouted. “AndI’m not expecting anyone.”
I uncurled myself and walked over, my pulse racing when I saw Lachlan standing on the other side. Did he ever look less than perfect? He wore a black t-shirt and joggers, and his hair looked damp like he’d just showered. Just looking at him made me want to do things I shouldn’t. I guess this answered my question about whether or not he was going to the party. I didn’t know how that made me feel. Not good, that was for damn sure, especially after last night. I didn’t think I could look at him right now. Not if he was here to pick up Marissa and leave. Maybe I should unlock the door and sprint to my room. After staring at him for a moment, I opened the door and leaned my hip against the frame for a second, taking him in as if I hadn’t just ogled the shit out of him through the peephole. I pushed off, turned around, and started walking back to the living room.
“She’s still doing her makeup.”
