Page 90 of Fighting Chance

“Ew! I’m fucking traumatized! Is this how kids feel walking in on their parents? If so, I really didn’t miss out on much.” I start to gag. “Cover up!”

“Thanks, Kieran,” Bella snarks.

Groaning, I drop down onto the floor, placing my head in my hands. “That’s not what I meant,” I mutter, not having the energy to come up with a funny quip to lighten the mood.

I can hear the rustling of clothes as Grayson and Bella jump off the couch and make themselves decent.

A date.

She’s going on a fucking date.

And he’s calling her Red.

“Kieran, what’s wrong?” Bella asks softly, and it shocks me when that question has my eyes beginning to burn and my throat closing up, not a single word coming out.

I keep my head firmly down so she doesn’t see the silver lining my eyes. “Did you know?”

“Know what?” Grayson asks.

I blink furiously to clear the tears before I lift my head and look pointedly at Bella kneeling in front of me. “Were you there when some twat at the bar asked her out?”

Bella stumbles back a bit, her jaw dropping before she can get control over her features. “Wait, this is over Layla’s date?”

“Oh fuck,” Grayson mutters before heading into the kitchen.

“Did you know?” I repeat again, needing to know.

And by Bella’s audible swallow and the shutter in her eyes, I have my answer. Shaking my head I can’t help but let my disappointment show.

“I’m sorry, Kieran, it was stupid. Cindy and I thought?—”

“Cindy was there too?”

Grayson comes padding back toward me with a container.Holding it out, he takes a seat next to me. “Here, this will make you feel better.”

I look down to find Bella’s blueberry muffins sitting inside and…nothing. My stomach doesn’t grumble like it usually does, nor does my mouth water. I end up placing it down behind me. “I’m not hungry,” I murmur.

Grayson’s eyes widen as Bella gasps. “Now I know you’re really hurt over this.”

I throw my hands out. “Of course I’m hurt over this! I told you…I told everyone how I feel about her.”

Grayson places his hand on my shoulder. “It’s okay buddy, it’s just one date.”

“It’s not just one date. He called her Red!”

Bella’s nose wrinkles. “What does that mean?”

“She wouldn’t let me call her Red but she letshimcall her Red?” I shake my head, groaning. “She’s fallen for him.”

There’s a snicker, and my eyes snap up to Bella. “Don’t you dare laugh at me right now. You of all people know how I feel about your best friend. I literally hounded you every day for updates about her.” I lean forward, emphasizing, “Over a year, Bella!”

Bambi ambles in from outside, her adorable face lighting up when she sees me. “At least you love me,” I murmur as I pat her.

“Okay, this is…” Bella blows out a breath before steeling her spine. “Layla doesn’t believe you actually like her.”

My head rears back before I look at Grayson in shock, but all he does is grimace. “It’s true, I’ve heard a few phone calls.”

“Hey! Those are private,” she scolds.