Page 41 of Stay With Me

“He was? I knew he’d experienced them in the past, but I didn’t know he still was. Kinda surprised he didn’t tell me.” His brows etch together in concern, but if I know Tripp, he’s not one to ask for help or share what he’s going through to avoid inconveniencing others with his issues. It makes me sad to think of how many times he’s suffered alone.

“He and Billy talked about being each other’s best men, so being there was triggerin’ to those feelings.”

“Shit. I shoulda known that. He’ll never not feel guilty for what happened, no matter how much time has passed. I know he misses him and it was traumatic to watch his best friend die, but I’d hoped it was gettin’ easier for him. I hate knowin’ there’s nothing I can do to fix that.”

Me too.

“Do you think that’s why he doesn’t date much? Well, besides this past weekend.” I roll my eyes, taking a long sip of my margarita.

He snorts, but before he can respond, Miss Maria comes over. She’s been the owner of Maria’s Kitchen for as long as I can remember and serves the best food in town. Landen orders like he’s going into hibernation for a month, and I get the taco platter with rice and beans.

I might’ve also told her to bring me a refill with my food.

“You know he ain’t really datin’ her, right? He was playin’ wingman,” Landen explains.

“What’re you talkin’ about? Why wouldyouneed one of those?”

“I wanted to hook up with Quinn, but I knew we wouldn’t get the chance if she was too busy worrying about Lydia all night, so I asked Tripp to keep herentertainedfor me so I’d get all of Quinn’s attention.”

“And I’m sure it was such a hardship for Tripp toentertainLydia all night.”

“Soundin’ a little jealous, Magpie.”

“Ew, don’t call me that.” I throw a chip at his face. “And I’m not jealous. But Lydia?”

“For what it’s worth, I guilt-tripped him into it since it was my birthday. But it didn’t work anyway because after your little scuffle with her, the girls left.”

I sit up straighter. “So he didn’t take Lydia back to his place?”

“Nope. I knew he wouldn’t sleep with her because he’s basically a monk, but I didn’t think she’d start a fight. So now they’re both written off in my book.”

“What do you mean? How come?”

“Because Quinn took Lydia’s side and you’re my friend.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal. “And my future sister-in-law.”

I lean over the table and smack his arm. “Stop sayin’ shit like that. It’s gonna give me hope for something that’ll never happen.”

“Never say never, Maggie Mae. Just have patience. I think Tripp’s comin’ around to the realization he deserves to be happy and lettin’ himself admit what he wants.”

“Why can’t anyone just use my name? Are y’all allergic to it or something?”

“Yeah, it’s pollen season.”

“Cute.” Grabbing a chip, I drown it in the salsa before taking a bite.

“You let him call you Sunflower or Sunny,” he argues.

“I don’tlethim. He’s just done it forever. There’s no point in scoldin’ him each time.”

“Ya know…he only has a nickname for you. That’s gotta mean something.”

“I figured it was because I’m Noah’s best friend and he saw me like an honorary annoyin’ little sister.”

He shrugs as Miss Maria returns with our plates. We thank her, and I dig in once she walks away.

“Maybe in middle school, but I think when y’all got older andhung out more, something shifted. You weren’t exactly subtle about your crush, but you kept going back to Travis, so he probably thought he’d never have a chance.”

My shoulders tense at the mention of my ex.