Page 53 of Not That Into You

“Because I heard you, Cameron. I overheard you talking to Hayley right after she moved in. You both had gone out to lunch or something, and then you came back to the apartment for the first time. I don’t think either of you realized I was home, in my room, doing work. I guess you looked around and didn’t like what you saw. You say you’re not a snob, but I remember you asking Hayley how she could possibly live in an apartment like that. I’ll bet you had the same look on your face as your family did when they learned I live in Hell’s Kitchen.”

“Monica . . .” He lets out a breath and runs a hand through his hair. “Shit. Yeah, I probably said some things, but Hayley had just moved out of my place to live with you.”

My brow furrows. I hadn’t realized she’d been staying with him. Had they been romantic? My stomach clenches, and I suddenly feel queasy. Probably from the fries.

“She was only staying with me temporarily. She’d just moved out of her parents’ place and was staying with me until she could find a permanent place. I told her she could live with me long term, but she was adamant about doing things on her own, about paying her own way.” He sighs. “I get it. I’m proud of her. But it hurt a little that she chose to move into a tiny apartment with someone she barely knew rather than stay with me—her best friend—at my place, which, yes, is a lot bigger and a lot nicer.”

Huh. That makes sense, but... “You also said you thought I was taking advantage of her.”

“What? No, I didn’t.”

“Yes. I heard you. You said, ‘She’s not like us.’ And then you asked whether she’d confirmed what the total rent was. You were worried I was making her pay more than her fare share.”

His brow furrows. “I don’t...” He shakes his head before pressing his lips together. “I don’t remember saying that.”

“I heard you.”

He blows out a breath. “I believe you, but...” He frowns while shaking his head. “That was probably the hurt talking. I’m sorry. As I said, at the time, I didn’t understand why she didn’t want to live with me.”

“It’s fine. I get it.”

He sighs. “It’s not fine. I shouldn’t have said those things.”

I shrug.

“Wait. Is that what caused your complete 180? Because you’re right, at first, we got along really well. I actually thought...” He shakes his head.

“What?”

“Doesn’t matter. The next time I saw you, you acted as if I’d kicked your puppy. It was because of what you overheard?”

I shrug. “Well, yeah.”

“Monica . . .”

“Forget it.”

He grabs my hand. “No, I’m sorry. Really. I didn’t mean it.”

Swallowing, I wave my free hand as if to wipe it all away. “Water under the bridge.”

His phone rings, and he lets out a frustrated breath. After glancing at the screen, he groans before answering.

From the look on his face, it’s not good news.

Sighing, he hangs up the phone. “That was my mother. We have to go.”

Chapter 15

Cameron

“You almost done in there?”

“Just a minute.”

For someone who claims she doesn’t care about her appearance, Monica is spending a lot of time getting ready for tonight’s party. Like a gentleman, I took a quick shower and promptly vacated the bathroom so she could use it, but I didn’t expect her to take this much time.

She’s full of surprises.

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