Page 118 of Damaged Boys Don't Fall For Bubbly Girls

“Why have you been so quiet?”

I shrug.

“Girl problems?” she guesses.

I don’t say anything.

“Lexi problems?”

“Man,” I mutter. “It’s like you can read my mind.”

“Or I know when my little brother is thinking about the girl he likes.”

I roll my eyes. “I’m always thinking about her.”

Zoey smiles brightly. “Ooh.”

“But she’s with Finn.”

Her eyes go wide. “What do you mean she’s with Finn? Like, at his house or something?”

My shoulders slump forward. “No. With him. As in, they’re together. Dating or whatever.”

She just stares at me. “Wait a second. Lexi and Finn?” She narrows her eyes as she thinks. “I don’t see it.”

That’s what the guys said, but we’ve kind of gotten used to seeing them together the past few days. Well, I haven’t really gotten used to it, but I don’t want to be a selfish jerk.

“Does she like him?” Zoey asks.

“Well, yeah. She smiles at him with that sweet smile and they’re always laughing together.”

Her face fills with sympathy. “Oh, Brock. I’m sorry.”

I want to shrug, but my shoulders don’t move. “No, it’s fine. He’s good to her. She’s happy.”

“It’s great that she’s happy.”

I nod, my throat getting tight. “I’m not going to lie. It’s been hard seeing them together, but I can’t think about myself. She needs to do what’s best for her.”

Zoey tilts her head to the side as she thinks. “Of course, but something doesn’t feel right. You and Lexi are in the stars.”

I squeeze my eyes shut. “Don’t say things like that, Zo. You’re making me feel worse than I already do.”

“Sorry,” she says softly. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I wish I knew what to say. You want to be her friend, but it pains you to see her and Finn together.”

Opening my eyes, I nod again. “I love hanging out with her, but now I can only do that when I’m with the guys. I’d never get in the way of her and Finn.”

“Yeah.” She sighs. “This is a tough one. I wish I could hug you.”

“I would actually really appreciate a hug right now.”

“Sending virtual hugs right now.” She grins. “And a kiss on the cheek.”

I laugh. “Both are welcome.”

“Look at you, being all mature. You hate when I kiss your cheek.”

“Yeah, but I guess I need it now.”