Page 123 of Not That Into You

“She’s not wrong.”

“Hey.” I throw an olive at Claire, but it sails past her and lands on the ground next to her lounger.

She picks it up, shrugs, and pops it into her mouth. “How does Cameron feel about you leaving?”

My heart trips over itself. I still can’t believe he wants a serious relationship with me. And I’m still not convinced it’s possible. “He understands, but he’s about as excited as my mom.”

“I’ll bet. Hayley says he’s really into you.”

My stomach does a backflip as I try to keep my face neutral. “Does she?”

“Mm-hmm. And I think you’re really into him.”

“Really,” I deadpan.

Claire laughs. “Oh, come on, Monica. Be honest. He’s the only guy who’s ever gotten under your skin. And you’ve spent more time with him over these past few weeks than you have with any other guy in total.”

“That’s not true.”

“You usually like your space.” She sits up. “And there’s nothing wrong with that. But how often did you see AJ? Once a week? And you two dated for six months.”

She’s not wrong. My most recent ex and I had a lot in common, and the sex was good, but I never felt the need to spend lots of time with him. Not like I do with Cameron. After only a few hours away from him, I feel twitchy and lost. It’s ridiculous.

And unnerving.

Half the reason I agreed to come over to Claire’s tonight was because I’m leaving tomorrow and realized how much I wanted to go over to Cameron’s rather than spend best-friend time with Claire. I refuse to be that friend who disappears when she starts dating a new guy.

I rub my forehead. Of course, Cameron and I aren’t exactly dating. We’ve been keeping our relationship casual—or trying to—and it’s unclear what we’ll be once I get back from Ohio.

Sighing, I readjust my glasses. I know I have feelings for Cameron, but I can’t think about that right now. We have a lot to figure out separately before we can determine what we are together.

“It doesn’t matter, Claire. I need to focus on my family right now. Cameron and I will figure out what’s between us when I get back.”

Claire groans. “You are so stubborn.”

“What?”

“Oh, come on. Just admit you like him.”

I narrow my gaze at her. “Maybe. Just a little.”

She laughs.

I wipe a crumb off my lap. “He wants us to be official.”

“Like girlfriend-boyfriend?”

“Yes, just like in high school. We’re going to get promise rings and everything.”

Claire’s eyes widen. “Really?”

“No, not really. We’re not exchanging rings.”

Her mouth pinches. “Not the rings, idiot. I mean the relationship. He really wants a serious relationship with you?”

My heart flutters. “Yeah.”

“What’d you say?”

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