“Don’t make bets with teenagers.”
Phoebe pocketed the money and turned her attention to Dex’s car. He stepped out, donned in his standard uniform of a crisp button-up and snug trousers, as well as a pair of black Ray-Bans. My small spark of excitement was snuffed out by an overwhelming burst of anxiety.
“Morning,” I said, lifting my hand in a timid wave. Dex rounded the front of his car, stopping short when Phoebe bolted toward him.
“You made it!”
His brow furrowed. “Was that in question?”
“Kind of.”
Impassive as ever, Dex turned to me, gesturing to the pile at my feet. “Is that everything?”
“That’s everything.”
With a stiff nod, he effortlessly plucked up several bags atonce. For as pristine as his outfit was, everything else remained contrastingly unkempt; thick hair fisted out of his unshaven face, eyes laden with dark circles. Clearly, he got about as much sleep last night as I did.
What the hell are we doing?
Dex didn’t seem conflicted, despite the obvious sleep deprivation. There was no fidgeting, darting eyes, or wringing of hands. He opened the trunk of his car—out rather than up, and Phoebe made him demonstrate twice before that muscle in his jaw ticked—and laid the bags out neatly. His shirt strained against his shoulders as he leaned in to adjust the bags, a single curl falling over his forehead like he was a goddamn Austen hero.
“You’re staring,” Arden hissed in my ear.
I snapped around. “Hmm?”
“No.”
“What?”
“No.”
“I wasn’t staring.”
“Nope. No.”
“I was appreciating the fit of his shirt. Kudos to his tailor, or whatever.”
She grabbed my arm and dragged me several paces away from the group. “You haven’t looked at anyone since Shawn. Every time Noah and I try to set you up, you brush it off. ‘I’m too busy. Work is a nightmare. Phoebe.’ And that’s fine! Everyone needs time to move on after a breakup,” she said, keeping her voice low. I crossed my arms, unwilling to entertain whatever ridiculous notion she was about to throw down. “But out of everyone on the planet who deserves your attention, that guy is not related to them, or friends with them, or acquainted in any way shape or form with them.”
“Arden.”
She pointed right in my face. “Don’t use that tone with me. I’m being serious.”
“You’re being dramatic.”
“You were staring!”
“He’s nice to look at when his mouth is shut.”
She huffed, definitely fending off a smile. “Just be careful,” she murmured, eyes shining.
I dropped the combative stance. Her misplaced concern had everything to do with us embarking on this strange adventure without her. For so long, I’d held her like a crutch, unable to stand on my own. I stepped forward and wrapped her in my arms.
“You guys are everything to me. How am I supposed to let you go?” Arden murmured.
“Don’t bother. We’ll talk every night.”
She choked on a laugh, burying her face in my hair. “God. I’m gonna miss you. I had myself convinced this wouldn’t happen.”
