“So, spill the tea, sis,” Clay says, smirking down at that ridiculous mug. “What was the deal with yesterday?”
Is he really asking me to talk about Roberto?No freaking way. I’m just about to tell him to fuck off when he goes on.
“What’s your beef with Del Moro? What’s the source of all this bad blood between you guys? Is he an ex?”
I nearly choke on my own spit. “Hell no.”
Josh seems to relax next to me, making me glance at him.
“So, what’s up? I’m curious too. You guys seem to genuinely hate each other.”
I could tell them it’s none of their business, but they did bail me out yesterday, and it looks like that won’t be our last run-in with him.
Fuck.
“We do hate each other, but it wasn’t always like this. His father was a family friend, and our families used to hang out a lot. His dad and my uncle were especially close. We saw each other almost every weekend and at school. Then, some stuff happened between my uncle and his dad, and they never came over again. They moved out of the neighborhood, and he started bullying me at school. And I don’t mean harmless name-calling. It was brutal.”
Clay’s jaw clenches as he asks, “What did he do?”
“I’m not going into that with you,” I say. “I’ve already said too much.”
They exchange a look just as the door swings open, and Sophia walks in.
“Hey boys, what’s going on?” she asks.
“Karen just told us why Del Moro is a total asshole to her,” Clay informs her.
“Oh?” Sophia raises an eyebrow at me.
“Yeah, no valid reason, just a grade-A bully. I know that type all too well,” Clay says, pulling out his phone. A second later, mine buzzes. “That’s my number. If you ever need anything, if he gets too close, or if you ever feel unsafe, you call me.”
He locks eyes with me, and my heart misses a beat before I remember that people say stuff like this all the time but hardly mean it.
I scoff. “Sure, whatever.”
Clay places his hand on my desk and leans in close until our noses are almost touching. “I mean it, Carolina. If you need me, you call.”
The fact that he’s calling me by my real name for the first time ever gives me pause, and I nod, dropping my gaze to my hands.
“So, are we grabbing something to eat?” Josh attempts to change the topic.
“Oh yes, I dreamed about spaghetti last night, and I absolutely need it now,” Sophia states.
“I think I know the answer, but I’m still gonna ask. You coming with us, Carolina? Please?” Josh asks, flashing me his dimpled smile.
“No, thanks. I’m gonna finish up here,” I say, and he nods.
“I won’t give up.” He winks at me.
Is he flirting?
No way.
But why must he be so cute, nice, and drop-dead gorgeous? Even after everything he witnessed?
“See you, Karen.” Clay reverts to his usual somewhat jerkish self, which I can’t deny I’m starting to like.
The guys are so caught up discussing their dinner plans that they don’t notice Sophia lingering behind.
