“I really thought this was your way of getting back at Henry, but two whole days into your breakup and you’re not done with them.”
Not done.That was a weird way of putting it. I address the timeline elephant. “Since you’re politely not asking, I think they feel the same. It’s so easy to be myself with them. And they’re totally in. We’ve got this teacher-student roleplay thing—”
Trena throws a hand up. “I would point out that roleplaying inherently means you’re not being yourself, but that whole thing about not hiding anything from me… I lied.”
Regrouping, I tease her. “You won’t be the only one of us to make the honor roll for long.”
“Nope! Not gonna fight you for two older dudes. I don’t know what you see in them—ugh, parents, teachers, nosy neighbors—I’ve had my fill. But seriously, with only two days to spare, you’re spending your time here with me. I’m flattered.”
“Blake didn’t feel well last night.”
“Is this your way of asking for more days?”
“No, but do you think I’ll seem too needy if I text to see if he’s okay?”
“If you’re all falling for each other the way you say you are, you should be able to text whenever you want.”
“Right.” I grab my phone and text Blake.
Seconds later, he responds:All good. You free later?
“Bye.” Trena waves.
“What? I’m not…”
Last night when Lennox insisted on driving me home, we passed their house. I suppose I could pay them a surprise visit. Help Lennox get over his worry that their house isn’t organized yet. Not like I care.
“You’re texting them and they’re texting back right away. Go.”
“You sure you don’t mind?”
“Take my car.” She opens the mini-cooler and pulls out a fudge bomb popsicle. “If you leave, I won’t have to share the ice cream.”
Slipping back into my cover-up, I say goodbye to Trena and rush to Trena’s car.
I’m standing on their doorstep when it occurs to me that all I’m prepared for is lounging with a friend—messy hair and no makeup. I shrug it off as I knock on the door. I’m not sure they’re home. Their truck isn’t out front. Could be in the garage.
This will be a pop quiz on whether they like thereal meas opposed to thecleaned upversion. I sure as hell am not one of those chicks that never lets a guy see me before I put my face on.
I cringe at the thought of being that controlled—even if I’m the one doing the controlling.
Blake answers the door. Does he cringe? Are we both cringing? That’s weird. Not the greeting I was hoping for. He clutches the door.
His athletic shorts and bedhead slowly register. No shirt. Muscles, contours, v-cut… those should be happy sights.
“Cecilia? You’re here.”
There are a couple of ways that statement can come out of someone’s mouth and Blake just failed the pop quiz. Or am I failing? Did I read this whole thing wrong?
My stomach knots. I step backward. The urge to apologize for showing up unexpectedly is only trumped by the urge to run.
“Who’s…” Lennox steps behind Blake, not needing to finish the question.
If there was any chance I misread Blake, Lennox confirms the lack of happiness. Lennox’s bare shoulder is visible past Blake. Their state of undress is too much to accept.
My foot lifts. I’m ready to bolt. I’ll do exactly what Trena accuses me of doing, running from my problems. Fuck.
But if I run, I could pretend that they’d track me down and tell me thattheyare lovers and the only woman they want in their bed is me. Leaving would only prolong me finding out the truth.
