Page 13

Chapter 13

Emilie

“What the hell does a girl gotta do to get a heads up that you’re banging an NFL player?”

I almost spit out my coffee as Keegan puts her phone down, a picture of Zack and me walking hand in hand filling the screen. Just like in college at the University of Michigan, Keegan always knows how to make an entrance.

“You’re late,” I retort while watching her situate her bag and sit across from me. The coffee shop buzzes around us; people working with headphones and having their own conversations is a reprieve from prying eyes or ears.

“Ma’am, no. You don’t get to tell me I’m late when you’ve been withholding information.” She claps her hands for each syllable. “Spill.”

I don’t want to lie but it’s necessary. The less people know the truth, the better.

“It’s casual. Just sort of happened.” I sip my coffee, holding the mug like it’s precious, as I deliver the most boring and vague answer I can think of.

Keegan rolls her eyes, almost too brown to be real, and grabs her own mug. She sips the foamy cappuccino and her eyes land on mine.

“How long has it sort of been happening?” She narrows her eyes over the steam of her mug.

It’s been two weeks since the event, when this whole thing transpired, so I’m careful when I answer, “ A few weeks.”

She nods and takes another sip before saying, “Zack Andersen doesn’t seem like your type.”

Joke’s on her—I don’t really have a type.

She tucks a strand of short blonde hair behind her ears. “I mean, he seems kind of like... an equal opportunist.” Her voice rises at the end.

I give her a side-eye.

“I’m just saying. He seems to bounce around. One interest to another.”

“He’s not bouncing now,” I reply, hoping it’s true. “And it doesn’t matter, people can bounce wherever they please.” I shoot her a knowing glance.

I don’t care who people sleep with. Unless we’ve come to an agreement, committed to one another, it’s none of my business. Love is love and orgasms are orgasms.

Zack does have a bit of a playboy reputation but it’s tired. Who cares who he hooks up with if he’s single? I’m aware that if this was a woman, the headlines would have a much different connotation.

My brain runs through the list of names I’ve seen Zack with. Models, professional athletes, actresses, baristas; he doesn’t discriminate. It’s always him, his messy blonde hair which always seems to work, and he’s usually wearing that smile.

Ugh, don’t go there. Don’t think of that smile.

Keegan snaps me out of it. “Please tell me he’s coming with you to Eliza’s wedding,” she pleads, her brown eyes look like they’re filled with honey in this lighting.

I’m thankful for the topic shift. “Obviously,” I say, like it’s a no-brainer and not a thing Zack walked into. “He has a bye week. Kind of wild how our schedules lined up.” That part is true. No idea what the odds are for something like this to line up, but it feels like it has a tinge of meant-to-be .

I switch topics seamlessly. “Tell me about the store. How’s it going?”

These are the magic words, as Keegan launches into the boutique store she opened last year. Her business degree helps her succeed when it comes to the finances and books, but her eye for detail and fashion savvy keeps her buying the trending pieces before they trend. Her brain is beautiful, and I love listening to her talk about the store with such passion.

I adore the store. I brought Willow there last year, and the press helped bring some well-deserved buzz to Keegan. I'm so proud of how far she’s come.

She’s telling me about this new lingerie line she started carrying when my phone buzzes.

Zack

I know it’s last minute but come out with me tonight

there’s a bar I’ve wanted to go to and finally got Tripp and Willow onboard

you in?

That’s just like him; three rapid fire texts, back to back to back. My stomach flips and the feeling catches me off guard. Come out with me. I read the texts in the way I imagine him speaking. Now I’m back in my bed, my heart beat slowing from the panic.

How did he know I needed a distraction? Zack texted me when I was about to hit the point of no return and instead, because of him, I could sleep. My chest warms at the unexpected comfort.

“Emilie! Sis. Look at you!” Keegan squeals, both hands hitting the sides of the table.

Heads snap toward us .

I shush her. “What are you talking about?”

“You, blushing, smiling. Let me guess—Zack?” She gestures to the phone. I roll my eyes even though she’s spot on.

I shouldn’t be blushing or letting my mind wander. There’s nothing to think about when everything is fabricated.

I nod as I text him back. The grin I’m wearing pinches at my cheeks. It’s too damn easy to play this part.

Me

meeting at 6, as long as it’s after

I’ll be at your place at 9

The wave of warmth that runs over my skin at the thought of him picking me up. Ugh, swoon. I smile at Keegan because I can feel her watching me.

Buzz .

can’t miss out on a good photo opp

I don’t let my face show the drop in my mood. Damn it, Emilie. Why are you doing this to yourself? The scolding isn’t enough to take control of the situation and lessen the sting. The reminder. Even though I know none of this is real, there are these moments, glimmers, where it feels like it might be more than what we’re giving ourselves credit for.

It’s not fair to Zack for me to do that, put that on him. We have a clear agreement, with rules and expectations. There’s nothing sexy about that.

Hell, it’s not fair for me to fall into the pit with shards of anxiety and jealousy waiting at the bottom. I put my phone in my bag, not needing any other messages from Zack or anyone else at this point, and sip my coffee, wondering where my self-awareness escaped to.