Page 40 of Chasing Hope

So much for stomping on my guilt.

My smile slowly falls and I see the moment they spot how disheartened I am by the revelation. Cindy rises on her toes, kissing O’Connor on the cheek and silencing whatever he was about to say next. “Us girls need to catch up. We’re going to be down on the other end, okay?”

“Of course.” O’Connor moves to grab a plate of his own, worry on his face as he quickly whispers to me, “Sorry, V. Didn’t mean any harm by it.”

I squeeze his forearm, trying to reassure him. I’m the one who should feel guilty for avoiding my brother for almost a year.

“It’s okay, I promise. I missed him, too.”

Linking her arm through mine, Cindy leads us down to the other end of the table, where Bella and Layla are already sitting, chatting away much quieter than the men.

Cindy is apologizing for O’Connor and how he didn’t mean to make me feel bad but I’m only half listening. I’m on fire, a trail being burned from the top of my head, all the way down my spine to my lower back.

Craning my neck, I look over my shoulder, finding who lit thematch.

Matteo is leaning back in his chair, his arms crossed, his muscles corded and straining at the seams, as his gaze seers me to the spot. He doesn’t smile, or wink, or wave. He does nothing but watch until I’m forced to take a seat.

Swallowing thickly, I try to shake the intense energy off me, but I can still feel him even across the table.

“My god, does he ever take his eyes off you?”

Attempting to play innocent, I hum in question, keeping my own eyes on my food lest these ladies see everything.

Cindy’s head suddenly kicks back with laughter. “Fuck, I love watching everyone squirm as they try to deny something isn’t happening.”

“Nothing is happening,” I’m quick to say.

“If you say so,” she all but sings.

Layla leans forward, her hands wringing in her lap as she lowers her voice. “I hope you don’t mind me asking, but how come you’re staying with him? I overheard Kieran ask how it was going.”

Three sets of eyes land on me.

Jesus, I feel like I’m in the hot seat. I’d make a joke about it but I can tell Layla already was a little hesitant to ask.

To give my hands something to do, I start to cut up the sausages Matteo gave me. I’m surprised I’m nervous. This is the first time I’ve had to explain what happened since Matteo found me smashing their cars. “I’m staying in Caleb and Valenti’s guest room for now.” Taking a deep breath, I rush forward, the words pouring from me like I’m running from the truth of it. “I found my boyfriend screwing my best friend in my bed. Couldn’t really stay after that.”

The gasps that come from the girls have me steeling my spine for the questions I know are about to bombard me.

Cindy gapes at me. “Oh no he fucking didn’t.” Then, as if the words just processed, she blinks furiously. “Wait, you’re not talking about Felicity, are you?”

My lips thin. “The one and only.”

“You’re fucking joking.” Turning to the girls, Cindy explains for me, “Felicity and Evie met in college and are the best offriends. Orwere, I should say.” She sits back in her chair as if the wind was knocked from her. “I can’t believe she did that to you.”

“You and me both,” I grumble before taking a bite of my food.

“I hope you mean ex-boyfriend.”

“And ex-best friend,” Layla tacks on for Bella.

“Absolutely.” My lip twitches. “Valenti found me smashing their cars to pieces.”

Bella leans forward, lifting her hand. I can’t help but snort as I lean forward and high five her. “You go, girl. I’d do the same.”

“Look, I don’t usually love violence?—”

Bella cackles at Cindy. “You scream like a cheerleader when there’s fights on the ice.”