“Apparently not. Thought maybe you’d know where he is.”
I stared at Max’s profile, identical to mine but somehow completely different. “Why d’you think that?”
He shrugged, flicking ash on the floor. “You’re spending a lot of time together lately.”
“Don’t think sitting next to each other at lunch really counts. We don’t even speak.”
“I was talking about the fact that he came to see you last night.”
My spine went rigid. How the fuck did Max know about that? Had Dominic said something? “What? No, he didn’t.”
“Don’t lie, it doesn’t suit you.” Max said cruelly. “I saw him leaving our place. Doubt he was there having a cuppa with Mum. That’s more your department.”
Fuck. I ignored the jab. “He was looking for you.”
“Bullshit.” Max finally looked at me with unmasked loathing. “Dominic knew I was with Amy last night.”
“I did.”
Both Max and I jumped at the sound of Dominic’s voice. Max, naturally, righted himself with ease, whereas I went sliding backwards again.
Only for Dominic to grab my leg to steady me.
Again.
This time though, he didn’t let his touch linger, snatching his hand back like I was diseased. “I’m allowed to have friends other than you, Max.”
With Dominic glaring at him, Max suddenly seemed uncertain. “I didn’t say you couldn’t, mate.”
“Then what are you saying?”
Max shrugged, clearly regretting having gone down this route. “Dunno. Guess I think it’s weird that you’re suddenly up Ryan’s arse all the time.”
For some reason, his words made Dominic flame red. “I’m not—that’s not what?—”
His spluttering had both me and Max staring at him. What the fuck was going on with him?
He stopped himself, briefly closing his eyes. When he opened them, his usual composure was back. “Listen, Max?—”
Dominic was cut off by Maya who, quite literally, shoved him aside. “Whoops, sorry, Dominic! Didn’t see you there.”
She beamed at me as she wriggled her way between my thighs, her arms wrapping around my waist. “Hi. Music’s all sorted. I’ve added, like, five songs we can dance to. I’m so excited.”
Dominic’s sharp inhale had me wincing.
Suddenly, the words I’d been struggling to find flowed easily. I gently plucked her arms from around my waist. “Actually, Maya, I think it’s best if we just go as friends.”
“What?” Her exclamation was loud. Loud enough to draw everyone’s attention.
A hush fell, reminding me I’d chosen the worst possible place to do this. Well, it was too late now. Best to rip the plaster off and be done with it. “Yeah. I mean, you’re a great girl and everything, but…”
Her lower lip started to wobble. “But what? I’m great but you’re still breaking up with me?”
“Technically we’d need to be together in order for us to break up. I don’t think one date counts.”
Behind her, Dominic was covering a laugh with a cough. At least, he was trying to. And failing appallingly.
“I can’t believe this.” Her voice rose to a shrill shout. “You’re breaking up with me in front of everyone?”
