Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 71915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
“Is that how you feel about Remy?” His voice was soft, hesitant.
“I mean, we’re not in a relationship,” I said, a lump in my throat. “We’re up front about what this is, which is totally casual. But I do enjoy his company. Very much.”
I wasn’t exactly straightforward because I knew it was more than that. That I was beginning to care about him in a different way. But that was for me to unload.
“I can tell you do. Remy too,” he replied, and my stomach dipped. “I just…if you continue seeing him, please be honest with me.”
My heart throbbed. Was he actually gonna be cool about this? “Yeah, okay.”
He groaned. “Hope this doesn’t mean I have to see my brother kissing my best friend and being all romantic and shit.”
“Oh my God, it’s not like that.”
Though more and more, I wish it could be.
My face heated.
Bailey’s laugh was shaky, and so was mine, but fuck, it felt good to be back on common ground.
“What’s with the Ted shit?”
“Just us being ridiculous. His nickname for me is Carl.”
“That’s dumb.”
I snickered. “It is.”
We were quiet a minute before he said, “I only hope he doesn’t hurt you.”
“Let me worry about that,” I muttered. “Deal?”
He huffed out a breath. “Deal.”
21
Remy
It’d been a couple of weeks since that night on the beach, and it still felt surreal that Bailey had greenlit—well, mostly—this thing I had going with Alex. Not that he could stop our budding friendship, but he wouldn’t stand in the way. Alex and I continued our daily texts and even hung out a few more times. Sometimes we only talked or made out, which I liked a little too much, and other nights it was blowjobs and mind-melting sex after he’d beg me to rail him good.
Bailey still ignored me, but maybe we’d get there eventually. Alex had told me about their heartfelt conversation and his admission about missing his brother. And though heartening, I wasn’t holding my breath.
I also volunteered to paint another room at the teen center, and I’d admit I enjoyed seeing my mural on the wall as I came through the front door. I even grudgingly signed up for a beach cleanup project in a few weeks. Guess I was an unofficial member of the LGBTQ group now.
I had a scheduled day off at Indelible Ink, so after my last class, I headed to the art studio to work on my newest piece. I’d started it after my beach trip with Alex, painting the ocean and the moon high in the sky. But it didn’t feel quite right, so I’d scrapped it and instead drew the lake where we’d spent our summers. I dipped my brush in the indigo color on the palette, making swirls across the canvas to add dimension. It was the most realistic piece in the collection and wouldn’t fit with the theme for my culminating assignment, but I kept going because it felt like I was working out something in my head.
When a text came from Alex, I smiled.
What are you up to? We’re headed to Shenanigans for food.
I looked at the clock and realized I’d been there for hours. My stomach growled in response, so it was time to call it a day.
Still at the studio but about to head home and see what Derek is up to.
If he was even home. It was Friday night.
Maybe he’s up for a visit to Shenanigans?
I chuckled. You never know.
Tease.
My grin was still plastered to my face as I stored my supplies, washed up at the sink, then headed out the door.
“Does that smile mean anything?” Levi asked as he passed me on the stairs.
“Is this the part where we share our secret crushes?”
“Pretty sure you already have mine figured out,” he mused.
“Yeah, but you’ve never admitted it, so…”
“Let’s keep it that way…for now,” he said with a wave. “Have a good night.”
Derek was in the living room when I got home.
“I thought you’d be out already.”
“Was about to text you.” He motioned to the kitchen. “I made a grocery run and stocked us up.”
“Awesome.” I made a beeline for the refrigerator. We kept a running list of stuff we needed and took turns at the store. Our system worked well, even though we mostly ate out. But it was good to keep a few staples around because shit got expensive.
I laughed when I pulled open the door. “All I see is beer.”
“Right, the necessities.” Derek smirked. “But that’s not all. I got some other food. Check out the freezer.”
“We are literally going to clog our arteries,” I said when I saw how many frozen dinners he’d bought.
“It’s a good college diet,” he said, and I laughed.
I shut the refrigerator, considering just making a PB&J, when that earlier idea niggled at me. “Wanna head to Shenanigans for burgers and beers?”