Page 31 of Devious Love

Me:

See? We need a sleepover. Pleaseeeeeeee

Chiara:

Fine

I smile broadly, my whole body feeling lighter.

Chiara:

Open the door, Ashton

Squealing, I jump to my feet and race to the front door—and there she is, my exceptionally beautiful best friend. Half her dark hair is in two little buns on top of her head, and therest drapes down her shoulders. Her brown eyes twinkle as she smiles brightly at me.

I throw myself at her, wrapping my arms around her shoulders and hugging her as tight as I can. “I missed you so much!”

She hugs me back, chuckling. “I missed you too.”

Fifteen minutes later, we’re in our pjs, mugs of hot chocolate and a pack of donuts on the coffee table in front of us.

Chiara reclines on the couch and sips her cocoa. With a sigh, she says, “I’ve been waiting tables all summer, and it’s good money, but I’m tired as fuck. With college starting in two weeks, I’m ready to go into hibernation just to catch up on my sleep.”

“That bad?”

“No.” She waves me off. “I’m being overly dramatic, as always. It’s actually been great. I made lots of friends, saved up some money. It’s all good.”

“What about your love life?”

She rolls her eyes. “Nonexistent. Guys hit on me here and there, but I don’t know. I don’t think I’m ready for anything serious.”

Brow arched, I lean in. “What about girls?”

Her cheeks turn a deep shade of pink, and she shoots me a glare. “You promised not to bring that up.”

“I’m not judging.”

“I know.” She exhales deeply. “I’m just not ready for this conversation.” She brings her mug to her mouth but lowers it without taking a sip. “I met one girl, and I think there was a spark, but…I kinda chickened out. You know how my mama is, so I’m very cautious about this stuff.”

I cover her hand with mine where it rests on the back of the couch. “I’m here for you. Always.”

Smiling, she entwines our fingers. “Thank you. If you only knew how happy I am that you’re finally back. I needed my best friend more than you know.”

My heart pangs. “I needed you too.”

Eyes narrowed, she studies me. I arch an eyebrow in return.

Finally, she says, “How isJeffdoing?”

I burst into laughter. “You still can’t forgive me for having another best friend?”

“What did you expect? I waited for you while you went and cheated on me with Jeff and then with Tessa.”

“Oh my God.” I shake my head. “You know the story with Jeff. The dating, only to realize we were better off as friends. And yes, I’m close to Tessa, but I’ve only known her for a year, and we became friends by default when she and Jeff started dating. She isnotmy best friend. That title is reserved for you and Jeff. He’s wonderful. You’re gonna love him, I promise.”

“That remains to be seen,” she teases as she picks up a donut. “Your turn. How are you?”

I take my mug from the table and hold it between my palms. “I genuinely thought this would be easier, but something is off.”