Page 83 of Prickly Pair
“That’s a lie, Evie!” he exclaimed playfully. “We are friends!”
“Yeah, but I’m Avery’s best friend.”
“I’d even dare say we are best friends too!”
I started laughing. “Okay, well, I’m not saying anything.”
“Evie. You’re killing me.”
I shook my head. This wasn’t my news to reveal, and I’d already done enough by asking Levi in the emergency room. I’d harass Avery after work.
“Anywayyyy,” I said. “Everything is going well. I’m not so used to dating one person, let alone three. Juggling everything has been a lot. Many different dynamics. I’m still likeholy shit, this is real.”
Mateo chuckled. “It’s scary at first, but then you sink into a new normal, and it’s amazing.”
I smiled at him. I’d seen Mateo’s pining crush bloom into something beautiful, and I wanted that too.
“So . . . the cat’s out the bag with Austin then, right? I mean I know it is. He’s told me some about seeing you and Matthew.”
“I bet he complained about how beautiful Nick’s eyes are too.”
Mateo nearly choked on his croissant from laughing so hard. “Jesus, Evie. I take it they’re still fighting?”
“It’s a lot offuck off, Nick. Fuck off, Austin. Fuck you, fuck off,” I imitated, earning more laughter. “And I don’t know what to do about it. Matthew and I are Switzerland.”
“That seems for the best,” Mateo said. “I’m sure they’ll work it out eventually. Austin has to warm up to things sometimes, you know.”
“I do know.” I wrinkled my nose. “Should we have a get-together soon? It’s been too long and we’re already halfway through summer.”
“We should,” Mateo said. “I’ll talk to Avery. Time to expand our group chat, hmm? Now that you havethreeboyfriends. We have a growing family.”
“We sure do.” I crossed my arms. “Are you going to give Nick and Matthew a hard time?”
“Oh yeah. Austin too. You’re like my little sister, and you’re an only child. It’s my sworn duty to give the three of them shit.”
“Okay,” I chuckled. “But please no fist fights.”
“No, of course not. Well . . .”
“Mateo,” I hissed.
He held up his hands. “Fine.” He chuckled and crossed his arms, his smile fading. “So a debt collector. What do we do?”
“Talk to Austin,” I said. “Dallas and Avery too.”
He nodded slowly. “What are you doing after work?”
I was supposed to go over to Matthew’s, but I’d text him and ask if I could come over a little late or if he and Nick could hang out without me tonight. Whatever the hell this was, my friends needed to know. I knew they’d both understand.
“I’ll text Matthew and Nick to let them know I’ll either be late or won’t be coming over,” I said. “I think . . . I don’t want to exclude June, Madi, or Levi, but . . . maybe I should just talk to the three of them?”
Mateo pressed his lips together. “It might be rough, but I think they should be there. We’re all Whynots. Even you, Evie.”
I exhaled. He had a point. “Okay,” I said. “Text the chat. I feel like I should talk to Austin first . . .”
For the first time, I felt conflicted. Austin and I were dating, and I didn’t want to cause a problem.
“Let’s just tell them all together,” Mateo said. “I’m sure it’s nothing.”
