Page 23

Is that why he didn’t want to come in? Was it too soon? Is he not into me?

Questions circle in my head all night, but I can’t pinpoint what went wrong.

I hope I didn’t ruin things between us permanently.

SIX

Luca

I’m busy breaking down the moving boxes when there’s a knock on the door. My heart lodges in my throat, wondering if it’s Blake, but then the door opens, and my brother walks in, followed by Camden and Meyer.

“Hey,” I greet them. “Were we meeting today?”

“No, but we wanted to know how your date went last night. I have to head into work soon, so I thought I’d stop over with some donuts and hear all of the details,” Milo says, tossing a bakery box onto the kitchen counter.

“Thanks.”

I open the lid and grab a donut, taking a big bite to stall for time.

“So?” Meyer asks bluntly.

“It was a lot of fun.”

“Yeah? What did you guys do?”

“We went to a pottery place in Maple Creek. Then we went out for some barbecue.”

“Sounds fun,” Milo says encouragingly.

“So, who won the bet?” Camden asks.

“I don’t know…”

“Did you make plans to see her again?” Meyer asks.

“No, not exactly.”

“Why the fuck not?” he asks with a frown.

“We kissed…”

“Okay, good sign.” Camden nods.

“Right, so we’re making out in my car in front of her apartment, and it’s pouring out.”

“Hot,” Meyer says, and his tone is so deadpan that I can’t tell if he means it or is being sarcastic.

“Anyway, she invites me in and?—”

“You slept with her and didn’t make plans to see her again?” Milo demands.

I shake my head. “No! I said no.”

The room is silent. Everyone is frozen in place.

A donut dangles from Meyer’s fingers as he stares at me. His gaze darts to Camden, Milo, and back to me. “What?” He shakes his head as if he may not have heard me correctly.

“I said no. I couldn’t go inside. I told her I was tired.”