Page 21 of This Could be Love

“Well, peeps like you showing up at a barbecue and saying they ate at home and then sticking to water the whole night usually make me suspicious.”

“Peeps like me?”

She cocked her right eyebrow. “Hello? I saw you in a bikini.”

I stared at her blankly.

“You fishing for compliments or something? You look like a fucking fitness model!”

“Nonsense,” I replied with a dismissive gesture, feeling my cheeks grow warm.

My pocket began to vibrate. I pulled out my phone.

“Cristiano Ronaldo’s calling; he wants his abs back.”

Seeing Kay’s name blinking at me, I could only give her a half smile. “I’ve got to take this.”

“You can go to my room, if you don’t want to be bothered. Up the stairs to the right.”

Getting up, I felt Vince’s eyes on me. And I could feel them follow me as I left the group. As soon as I got inside, the vibrations stopped. Making my way up the stairs, I unlocked the display and brought up my call log. Kay. 8:41 p.m. Most days I was already thinking about brushing my teeth right about now. I really would have to say my goodbyes if I wanted to make it to bed on time. I’d just reached the last stair when Kay’s name popped up again.Upthe stairs to the right. Thankfully, there was only one door on the right. I pushed the handle down and fumbled for the light switch. A second later an overhead light weakly lit up the room. But before I could take a look around, I decided to pick up.

“Hey!” I said, out of breath.

“I just wanted to ask if everything was okay.” Kay sounded worried. “Gabe said he rang the doorbell, but no one was at home.”

“Umm…”

“I don’t want to control you,” she said. “I was just surprised, as you hadn’t mentioned that you’d be going out.”

“We probably missed each other when I went out to get a bowl.” I narrowed my eyes, hating to lie to her. But it was also the most inopportune moment to tell her where I really was. “What did he want?”

“Oh…just to say hello, I imagine.”

On a Saturday night? But I didn’t say anything, as I still hadn’t figured out what exactly their relationship was. Whenever they were around, they acted like good friends—and yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t getting the whole picture.

“How’s your date going?”

“Mydinneris real nice, thank you.”

“Good,” I replied, grinning.

“Good. So, see you bright and early? You’ll definitely not be awake by the time I get back.”

“No, I’ll be going to bed soon.”

“Then, good night.”

“Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

I hung up and took a deep breath.

“Why did you lie?”

I flinched and turned around. Vince was leaning in the doorway. The light was too dim to make out his expression.

“You were eavesdropping.”

“Door was open.” He shrugged almost imperceptibly. “Couldn’t avoid it.”