Page 41 of Twisted Violet

But it hasn’t.

Not when my phone won’t stop buzzing with new messages. Not when I’m still deleting his words before I have the nerve to read them all the way through.

“You sure you’re doing okay?” She asks, her voice quiet but direct. “You look like there’s something on your mind.”

My pulse kicks up.

“I’m good,” I say quickly. “Just going a little stir-crazy.”

“Same.” She breathes.

A long silence stretches between us. It’s not uncomfortable. It’s just… full.

“I should be cleared to leave the hospital at the end of next week,” she says eventually. “Ez is already planning to carry me out bridal-style.”

I manage a half-smile. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

Her eyes soften. “You know you could come home with me too, if you want? The guys amped up the security so it’ll be super secure.”

I smile and shake my head. “I’m good here, but thank you.”

Stevie nods, then pauses for a beat.

“How are things with the guys?” She asks casually, too casually.

“They’re fine.”

“Fine?” She presses.

I keep my tone neutral. “They’re nice. They’re respectful. Things are good.”

“That’s good.”

She says it like she really means it, then adds, “Still. It must be hard living with three attractive guys. I imagine it feels…” She pauses. “…complicated?”

And there it is.

I straighten slightly. “It’s not like that.”

“I didn’t say it was.”

“Yeah, but you’re implying it.”

“I’m just making sure you’re not getting too attached to them, Al.”

I bristle.

“I’m not.”

Stevie raises an eyebrow. “You sure? Because the last time I heard you this defensive, you were twelve and trying to convince me you didn’t like your math tutor.”

“Ididn’tlike him.”

“You cried when he quit the after-school program.”

I scowl. “I was a kid back then. This isn’t the same thing.”

“Then what is it?”