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“You’re more of a fuckboy than me,” I say.
We’ve discussed it. As soon as anyone saysI love you, she’s out.
I learned this place, Sluggers, is one of Carlee’s hideouts after she breaks it off with someone. It’s a tradition she started in college, and every time she ends it with someone, she visits to drink tequila.
Over the year, I’d seen her there a lot, and she’d seen me too.
She spoke first and even bought me a drink, which I found fucking cute. Our meeting was happenstance.
One random night, we chatted about our best friends—Easton and Lexi—and realized they’d be the perfect couple. My brother was conveniently booked to stay at the hotel where they both worked. So, we devised an elaborate plan to have them be at the right places at the right time. I know my brother’s habits better than anyone and can predict his every move, so I used that information to my advantage. But that’s my and Carlee’s deep, dark secret, one we’ll keep until death. We are the true masterminds behind it all.
Her voice pulls me away from my thoughts. “So, now that we’ve officially played Cupid and our duties are over, what does that mean for us?”
I’ve been thinking about thenow whatall week. “What if we became real friends?”
“Me and you?” she asks, her golden-brown eyes sparkling. Her pouty red lips quirk up into the corner. “You’re trouble,” she says.
“At least you know what you’re getting yourself into,” I say, knowing she’s aware of my baggage. “But I’m serious.”
She smirks, not taking her gaze from mine. She hesitates before holding out her hand. “Okay then.Friends.”
I take it and kiss her knuckles.
She lifts a brow and pulls her hand away from me, knowing I’m the master of flirting as well. “I’ll have some rules with this arrangement. I don’t befriendanyone.”
“Luckily for you, I’m not justanyone.”
“Calloways.” She slowly shakes her head, but I see the smile threatening to take over.
I check my watch, knowing I need to leave if I’m going to make my dinner date. The two hours we spent together passed by too quickly.
The bartender sets down our tequila shots with salt and lime. We lift them, tap the edges together, then lick the rim, shoot it back, and bite the lime.
After I pay for our drinks, I meet her gaze, readjusting my tie. “Same time, same place?”
“Yep. I’ll see you next week. Thanks for the drinks,” she says.
“My pleasure,” I say, standing.
She turns to me. “I’m glad our meetups are continuing.”
“Me too,” I admit. “So, is this staying our secret?”
“Yeah, it would probably be best,” she says.
I push the mismatched stool under the bar, then move close to her ear and lower my voice. “I have a car waiting for you outside when you’re ready to go home.”
“You don’t have to do that,” she says.
“I know.” I squeeze her shoulder before I leave.
I don’t like the thought of her drinking and traveling alone at night in the city. So, I make sure she’s safe anytime I’m around.
As I make my way up the stairs of the back exit, I wonder how long Carlee will stay, wishing she knew what shealreadydoes to me. Being friendsisa start, an opportunity I won’t waste.
So, let’s fucking go.
Continue Weston & Carlee’s story in
THE FRIEND SITUATION