Page 96 of Damaged Boys Don't Fall For Bubbly Girls

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Brock

I, along with Lexi and the guys, head toward the cafeteria. I’m not really hungry because my stomach has been in knots all morning. Over the weekend, really. I just can’t get it out of my head—my doubts about not fighting for Lexi. But then I tell myself how selfish I am.

I don’t know. I’m just so confused.

Lexi and Finn are at the back of the pack, their heads close as they chat about something. Is she giving him a shot? A part of me is glad—I know he’ll treat her right. But the other part…not so much.

But I force my gaze away. This really isn’t my business, even though Lexi is my friend. This is her decision. I want her to do what’s best for her.

We enter the cafeteria and wait in line to get our food. The guys are talking about dance and movies while Lexi and Finn are still having their own conversation.

As if she feels me watching her, Lexi’s head turns to me. My lips kick up in a small smile. She returns one, eyes lingering on me before she focuses back on Finn.

Once all eight of us have our food and drop down at our table, the others talk about different topics and I keep my attention on eating. Even though I’m not hungry, I should eat. It’ll give me something to keep busy with so I won’t watch Lexi and Finn sitting close to each other.

Despite ordering them not to, my eyes dart in their direction every so often. They’re close, but it doesn’t look like Lexi is into it as much as Finn is. I mean, she’s smiling her sweet smile and is nodding at what he says, but he seems smitten while she’s…not as much.

Darn it. Why am I being all obsessed with them?

I need to stop. I need to let her go.

I don’t want to be a selfish jerk.

I don’t realize I let out a heavy sigh until Theo turns to me. “What was that? Sounds like you’re carrying the world on your shoulders.”

All eyes—especially one pair—lock on me.

I poke at my food. “Just not really hungry, I guess.” I shrug. “I didn’t sleep well.” I stupidly risk a glance in her direction and notice the worry in her eyes. I force a smile to let her know I’m good. Or at least, I’m trying to be. “I’m fine. No big.”

“Chocolate pudding will make you feel better,” Lexi tells me with that sweet smile. “Trust me.”

I return the smile as I reach for it. “Okay, thanks.”

She still holds her smile, but I sense the worry all over her face. She’s not sure where we stand. If she and Finn get close, I don’t think he would appreciate Lexi and me hanging out without the other guys.

Man. I really need to stop. I’m just as obsessed with Lexi as she is with me. And that’s not healthy.

I never thought I’d ever think those words. Lexi and I have always been close before Andy died. She was alwaysthere. I could talk to her whenever I wanted. About anything. And when we were separated, I missed her a lot. Looks like we won’t be close anymore. I’d never do anything to jeopardize her relationship with Finn.

Sometimes during lunch, all eight of us share one conversation, sometimes we’re broken into groups. Now, it’s Lexi and Finn, Dean, and Nate, and the rest with me. Though I’m mostly quiet because I have a lot on my mind.

“Go for it, Coop,” Gael encourages. “We got your back.”

Coop twists his nose. “Yeah?”

“Yeah!” the others except for Lexi, Finn, and me, cheer.

He stands. “All right. I’m doing it.” He nods to himself and walks off.

“What’s going on?” Lexi asks.

Dean points his thumb in the distance. “He’s going to ask Eloise out. Where’ve you been? He’s been talking about her all day. She broke up with her boyfriend and he’s going to try to ask her out.”

Finn snorts. “That’ll go well.”

Lexi pokes him in the ribs with her elbow. “Don’t be a jerk.”