Page 150 of Sinful Like Us

“God,” she winces and sends me an apologetic look.

I’m used to it, and I just make a fast decision. “Let’s do it.”

“Really?” Her eyes bug more.

“Yeah.” Through all this Tony horseshit, these cards have strangely brought Jane and I closer—and I want to flip another.

She pulls back her shoulders. “We’ll carry on then—” Her voice cuts off, and our heads turn at the thundering sound of indoorjogging.

Five people pass the doorway in workout gear. Sulli, Maximoff, Will, Quinn, and Joana.

While Maximoff jogs past, Farrow gives him a blatant once-over, and we all watch Maximoff trip on a rug.

Everyone laughs, and my lip begins to lift.

“Jesus Christ,” Maximoff curses. “You didn’t see that.”

“I definitely did,” Farrow teases.

I stare down at Jane. She’s radiant seeing their love, and the only reprieve I can give myself is this: I didn’t ruin Maximoff and Farrow. I would’veneverforgiven myself if I had been a cause to rip them apart, but those two—they’re unshakable.

I’m jealous of how good Farrow is at navigating rough terrain in relationships. I feel about as graceful as an ox on a ship.

Those five start to jog away. Footsteps trailing in the distance.

Luna Hale nicknamed that group “House Fit” since they’ve been running through hallways and up and down stairs. Sulli invited me, but I have little patience for group workouts unless a punching bag or gloves are involved.

Normally Akara would join the runners, and I’m not sure why he declined. Beckett is also noticeably missing from House Fit. His absence isn’t a mystery.

Sulli invited everyonebuthim.

I hear piano music, and I focus back on Charlie. I want to be there for Jane’s brothers, so I leap over a professional line and ask, “How’s Beckett?”

Charlie blinks for a long second and then motions to the spread cards. “Pick one.”

Jane glares on my behalf. “He asked you a question.”

“And I chose not to answer it.” Charlie breathes into a tired sigh. “As is my right to choose.”

“Well, I’d also like to know how Beckett is doing,” Jane snaps. “He won’t talk to anyone but you.”

Charlie plays an angrier melody with one hand. “Let’s be thankful he’s talking to me then. Because if he were smarter, he wouldn’t be. I’m just as complicit in bringing him here.” He looks to me. “Put me out of my fucking misery and pick.”

I tried.

I peel a card off the piano and hand it to Jane.

She reads, “‘Tell us if you believe in love at first sight. Explain.’” Her eyes are like saucers, and my pulse pounds in my ears.

“We don’t have to agree here,” I remind Jane before either of us answer. “It doesn’t mean we’re incompatible.”

“Right.” She nods, more confidently. “It just means we view love differently, and two adults can have different opinions on love and still have feelings for each other.”

“Right,” I confirm, feeling Tony watching us from the door.

Charlie hits louder keys on the piano.

“Right.” She wafts her sweater. “My answer isno.I don’t believe in love at first sight, not as much as I believe in fascination at first sight. Which I felt with you—which, you must know.” She blushes. “Right?”