Page 36 of In Too Deep

“She was asking me questions, trying to get me to prove our relationship is platonic, and I didn’t want to lie to her.”

My stomach drops, and I squeeze my pillow to release my nervous energy. “Okay…but our relationship is platonic. So, what’s the problem?”

“She asked me if I loved her.”

My jaw tics. This girl is insane. He couldn’t possibly love her. They barely know each other. At least, I seriously hope he doesn’t love her.

“Oh…what did you say?”

“I told her I liked and cared about her a lot.”

Relief flows through me, and I try to hold back my laughter. “She can’t be upset about that. I mean, the two of you have only been dating for like a month. It’s a little soon to be talking love.”

“She agreed with that. It was the next question that caused the issue.”

I wait with bated breath for him to go on, my anxiety only heightening with the silence.

“Are you going to tell me what it was?” I push.

“She asked if I love you.”

My heart stops. “She did?”

“Yes. So, I told her I do.”

“You did? You do?”

He laughs as my head swims from the lack of oxygen. “Why do you sound so surprised? I figured that was obvious by now.”

“I guess I never really thought about it.”

“You haven’t, huh?” he taunts, clearly not buying my lie. “Well, think about it now. Do you love me?”

I didn’t need to think about it. I’ve loved him for a long time now. I hum, pretending to be considering it. “Yes, I suppose I do love you.”

“Yeah, you do. I’m pretty awesome.” He laughs as I groan. “Does that mean you’ll talk to Candice for me?”

“Nope. Not a chance.”

22

Lawrence

18 Years Ago

The house is packed, people in every direction wishing me a happy birthday, but there’s still no sign of Cat. We spoke just a couple hours before the party started, and she promised she’d be here. When she didn’t show up at seven, I sent her a page that went unanswered and started to worry. But Robbie showed up and said the girls were on their way. That was an hour ago. Now, my concern has festered into anger.

I knew asking Cat to come to my fifteenth birthday party as my date was a risk, and she’d been nervous, but in the end, she agreed. Even if it was with a little reluctance, I never expected her to stand me up. This isn’t like Cat at all.

Robbie is standing next to the punch bowl, and I make my way through the crowd toward him. It was obvious he knew more than he was telling me when I asked about Cat earlier, and I’m determined to get some answers.

He turns as I tap him on the shoulder. “Hey, man. I thought you said Caroline was on her way. What’s the deal?”

He lifts an eyebrow at me, his mouth pressed into a hard line. We both know it’s not Caroline I’m asking about right now.

“I don’t know.” He shrugs. “She said Cat asked her to wait on her so they could come together, but…” He trails off, sighing, as if he isn’t going to finish his thought.

“But what?” I press.

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