Page 100 of Fighting Chance

don’t freak out

BELLA

that’s instantly going to make me freak out

LAYLA

sorry

AHHH I don’t know how to say this

BELLA

girl spit it out!!!

LAYLA

I may or may not be going on a date with Kieran tonight

BELLA

shut the fuck up

SHUT THE FUCK UP

WHEN THE HELL DID THIS HAPPEN?

and why am I just now finding out????

HELLO???

you can’t drop a bomband then not reply!!!

The corner of my lip curves upward as Bella’s name flashes across my phone screen. She doesn’t even give me a chance to say hello, her scream is so loud.

“What the fuck!”

Pulling the phone away from my ear, I wince. “Ouch, B, my ear is right here.”

She curses before lowering her voice. “Sorry, sorry, it’s just…I feel like I’m missing a lot of information. Did this happen after he left our place?”

Triple-checking that Kieran’s car isn’t in the driveway, I take Emmy’s hand and walk with her outside to the playground the team built.

Kieran left several hours ago, supposedly to get things organized for our date tonight. His lips were sealed, and he wouldn’t budge an inch on telling me what he’s planning. All he said was that I had to wear something cute yet comfortable.

Sighing, I relent, “It’s actually more complicated than just a date.”

“What do you mean?”

I’m not sure how to say this so I just power through. “Um, I may or may not have asked Kieran to be friends with benefits?”

The call falls silent. I pull my phone away to check the line didn’t drop.

“B?”

“Sorry, I…did you say friends with benefits?”

“Yes?”