Page 31 of Don't Think

Her cheeks turn that beautiful pink again, her smile widening before she takes the paper from between my fingers. She starts to write it down, but I can see the hesitation in the way she keeps writing and pausing.

She folds up the paper and slides it into my palm, the contact feeling like every little bundle of nerves comes to life.

Her eyes snap to mine, wide and full of questions while her brows slowly pull together. Our hands are still locked tight, so I gently squeeze hers and give her a soft smile.

“We’ll see you tomorrow?” I ask, my throat suddenly feeling dry.

She nods once. “We’ll see you then.”

Our hands fall apart slowly before the guys pop up behind me, but I don’t hear a single bloody word they’re saying. The only thought that keeps running through my mind?

What thefuckam I getting myself into?

Chapter Nine

Allie

I love my friends. I love my friends. I love my friends.

That’s the mantra on repeat in my head as I storm into the house and slam the door behind me. The bang makes Nora jump.

Do I feel bad? I mean… maybe I will later. But right now? Not even in the slightest. Right now, it’s time to clean this house and maybe have a mental breakdown. Okay, definitely have a mental breakdown.

“Whoa. Allie?” Nora blinks at me as I march past. She’s watching me like she’s trying to figure out if I’m about to burst into tears or flip the coffee table.

Kicking off my sandals, I send them flying into the corner of the entryway and head straight for the living room. My heart is pounding so hard I can hear it in my ears, but there’s no time to worry about that.

I start grabbing every single water bottle off the coffee table, checking for even the tiniest ring left behind.

“Allie,” Ana says from somewhere behind me.

I don’t answer. Not because I’m ignoring her—okay, maybe I am—but mostly because I’m on a mission. Dust exists. I know it does. It’s lurking, just waiting to embarrass me the second a band I actually like walks through the door.

I throw the empty bottles into the small trash can and practically run to the couch, fluffing the decorative pillows.

“Allie!” Ana tries again, this time using her version of a mom voice. I glance up and see her standing in the doorway with her arms crossed.

“What?” I snap, standing straight to swipe at the hair clinging to my forehead, then continue assaulting the couch.

“Slow. Down.”

I freeze mid-fluff. “Slow down? Are you kidding right now? You invited the guys here fortomorrow. Tomorrow, Ana! That leaves us with less than twenty-four hours to make this place look likeadultslive here.”

She raises a brow. “Allie, it’s clean. We’ve been here, what? Barely even three days?”

“Yeah, but—”

“Ah!” She cuts me off with a finger high in the air. “We are onvacation. And we are here to do what?” she asks, her head tilted while she waits for my answer.

I blow out a long, shaky breath. This is supposed to befunand definitely not feeling like life or death.

This would be so much easier if it were just random guys. Not a literal band I religiously listen to. I’m sure Ana was just thinking about adding fun to everything, but… this is scary for me. I’ve always been a people pleaser, but this right here kicks it into major overdrive.

“We’re here to relax,” I admit quietly, plopping onto one of the couch cushions.

She narrows her eyes, tilting her head expectantly. “And?”

I roll my eyes. “And step out of our comfort zones.”