I turn and then curse under my breath, Bree, Chanel, and Alison are here. “This night just keeps getting better.”
“Sorry,” Ty says.
“It’s not you, T. When Hannah and I got to my house, we walked in on my parents, screaming at each other over where I should live. Apparently, my dad thinks I run wild.”
Tyler whistles. “That’s rough. Yeah, you’re the wildest guy I’ve ever met.”
“Sometimes I wonder if he even knows me at all. I don’t care about the fighting. I’m used to it, but Hannah didn’t need to see how dysfunctional my family is.”
“I still can’t get used to you calling her Hannah. She’s been Clark since the sixth grade.”
“Hi Ford,” Chanel singsongs walking up to me, Bree behind her.
“Hey, what’s up?” I nod my head, taking a step back.
“So, youreallyare an outstanding football player.”
I stick my hands in my pockets. “Thanks.”
“I always thought you were just trying to impress me by telling me that so we could hook up.” She takes a step closer, leaning in. “It did work, by the way.”
“Thanks, but I’m only good because my team is good.”
Chanel rolls her eyes. “Now you’re being modest. You were the best one out there. Ford Cross, the star quarterback of Lake City High.”
I give her a sheepish smile and shrug.
She takes another step closer to me, and I take another step back, only this time, I hit the back of the sofa. Great. Maybe I can try sliding down it if she tries to get any closer to me. That or I’m going to jump over the sofa. Hopefully, if I end up making a scene, she’ll get the hint. “Now that I’ve seen you play and know how impressive you are. I’m ready for another hook-up.”
“Another?” I jerk my head up and Hannah’s standing at the base of the stairs.
25. Midnight Pancakes
June sits down next to me, popping her knucks for the third time. I reach over, take her hand, and put my feet up on the loveseat.
“Are you mad?” June asks, biting her lower lip.
“No, not really. It was just a shock to look across the room and see you and Tyler kissing. It brought up some bad memories.”
“I know I’m so, so, sorry. I’m an idiot. I should have told you as soon as Tyler asked me out. You’ve been struggling with your relationship with Ford, and I didn’t want you to think I was rubbing my new love match in your face. Saying it out loud now makes me realize how stupid it was. You don’t hate me, do you?”
I wrap my arms around June. “I could never hate you, June. You’re my best friend. Even after everything she did to me, I can’t even bring myself to hate Alison. I think about her all the time.”
“You’re not mad then?” June sniffs.
“I was just startled. I think Ford whisked me away because he was afraid I’d have the same reaction I did with Alison and Jack, but your situation is very different.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. So you and Tyler, the introvert and the extrovert.”
“Oh my gosh, I know. But I really like him. He’s so sweet and caring and super funny.”
“I’m glad you’re happy. And please know that no matter what is going on in my life, I will always have time for you. I will laugh, cry, and jump for joy with you. ”
“Thank you. I need to have more faith in you and our friendship. I let my insecurities hold me back. Your friendship means so much to me. I don’t ever want to lose it.”
I wrap my arms around June, hugging her. “You won’t, I promise. So, do you have any other juicy news for me?”
