“They’re in Baltimore, right?”
I nodded. It was where we’d moved after Ginny’s diagnosis — to be close to the best doctor in the world when it came to AFM.
“Well, I’m glad they’re doing well.” Kyle paused, tapping his fingers before he looked at me. “But if all is well at home, then care to tell me what’s on your mind?”
“Nothing. I’m good.”
He flattened his lips. “You act like I’m not your best friend. I can see right through your bullshit just the same as you can see through mine. So, let’s try this again… what’s going on, fucker?”
I huffed a laugh. “You’re a pain in my ass.”
“And you love me, anyway. Tell me why you’re Mr. Mopey.”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair before I sat back and crossed one ankle over the opposite knee. I debated lying to him, but the truth was my secrets were safe with Kyle, with my whole group of friends.
And I needed someone to talk to about it.
“Emily.”
Kyle clapped, sitting up like I’d just told him we’re going to Disney World. “Ah! He finally admits it!”
“Shut up or that’s all you’ll get from me.”
He made a dramatic show of zipping his lips closed, but his grin was devious.
I rolled my eyes. “She’s hurt and I want to go see her but she told me not to come.”
Kyle held up a hand, pointing to his zipped lips with his brows raised.
“You can talk, dumbass, just don’t be a jerk.”
He let out an exaggerated breath like he’d been holding it. “When did she say this to you?”
“After the game. I’d been checking on her and finally decided I was going over to her place whether she answered or not. I thought maybe she just didn’t have her phone or something. But as soon as I said I was on my way, she texted me not to come.”
“Did she say anything else?”
“No.”
He blew out a breath. “Ouch.”
“Yeah.”
“Have you tried her since?”
“Once every day. I don’t want to be too much. And honestly, I should probably take the hint, shouldn’t I? We aren’t allowed to fraternize, and she’s reminding me of that. I should listen.”
Kyle smirked. “Does this mean the two of youhaven’tbeen following that little rule?”
I cracked my neck. “Maybe.”
“That’s all I get? No sordid details?”
“I don’t kiss and tell.”
“Ah, so there’s been kissing!” Kyle snapped, but then relaxed into the couch with a grin. “I get it, man. I kept everything with me and Mads under wraps for a while, too. I know what it’s like to want to keep it close to your chest.” He studied me for a moment. “But she’s in your head, and that’s messing with your game. So… we may need to talk this out a little more before I let it go.”
I nodded. “Fair.”
