Page 97 of I Don't Need Your Love

“I’m worried, Carly,” Raven says. “You’re never this quiet. You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to, but we’re always here for you. And you shouldn’t be embarrassed or ashamed about anything. We love you to death.”

“Totally,” Sophie says.

“Agreed,” Addie adds.

I drop my fork and sit back in my seat. “Sorry. I know I’ve been off ever since…”

They lean forward, eyes bright with curiosity and concern.

I squeeze my eyes shut for a second. “Ever since my practice with Ryder.”

Raven stiffens as her expression turns cautious. “Did something happen?”

I sigh again and nod.

“Something bad?” Sophie asks.

“No, no,” I assure her. “It’s just…” I puff out my cheeks. “As you know, Ryder was struggling with the lift the past few days.So he finally got it yesterday and I was so happy that I…I kissed him.”

Addie nearly flies off her chair. “Youwhat?”

“Youkissedhim?” Sophie is practically bouncing in her seat. “Oh my gosh.”

“Was the kiss bad or something?” Raven asks.

“No. It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced in my life.”

“Yay!” Not caring that some kids are watching us, Addie does a small victory dance. Then she quickly slams herself back in her chair. “Iknewyou guys liked each other.”

“Why do you look like you saw death?” Sophie asks.

I sigh once more as I continue to push my food around my plate. “He’s not the guy for me.”

“Why?” Addie asks.

“Because he’s a player? Because he loves getting attention from girls and has kissed so many of them? Because our kiss wasn’t special to him?I’llnever be special to him.”

“You don’t know that,” Sophie insists. “You even said yourself that he’s not the guy you thought he was. How do you know he’s not the perfect guy for you?”

“He’s not looking for a long-term relationship, guys. He’s not the commitment type. He likes having fun with girls and not taking life too seriously. Before people get involved in a relationship, isn’t it smart to make sure they’re both on the same page?”

“Well yeah, but—” Addie starts to say.

“So Ryder and I are not on the same page at all. Heck, we’re not even in the same book.”

“This is a he changes for her trope!” Sophie squeals.

I raise my brow. “What?”

“A he changes for her trope is when a guy changes his ways because of the influence of the woman he likes. Sometimes hedoesn’t even realize he’s doing it. But just being around her makes him turn into a different person. A better version of himself. So maybe Ryder has changed because of you!”

“Sophie, this is real life. And in real life, most guys don’t change their ways. If I continue on this path, I’ll just end up with a broken heart.”

She opens her mouth to respond, but I say, “You know that’s true. I bet he’s surrounded by girls right now.”

“Well, if you would look at his table, you would see that’s not true,” Addie informs me.

“Huh?”