Page 99 of Not That Into You

“Talk. I needed to talk to Cameron.” I nod as if that sums up everything. As if it makes perfect sense.

Hayley frowns. “About what?”

I mean, it’s none of her business, but I’m pretty sure it’ll be counterproductive if I mention that. “Um... Money?”

Cameron widens his eyes at me, and I give him a little shrug. What was I supposed to say? I came over to talk about the hot sex we had yesterday? And, as it turns out, maybe reenact the highlights? I shiver before reminding myself I need to focus.

I need to play it cool.

“You mean the money he owes you for the Hamptons?” Hayley looks at Cameron. “I thought you already paid her.”

I flinch, feeling more than a little uncomfortable with the reminder Cameron paid me to be his girlfriend. It makes this whole situation feel tawdry and confusing.

“I did, but...” Cameron gives me a questioning look. “You need more?”

“No.” I shake my head vigorously until I realize they’re looking at me funny. Shit. I’m making this worse. “I mean I appreciate the money you gave me.” I smile at Cameron. “And it was more than enough. And I just came by to thank you.”

Cameron slips his hands into his pockets and gives me an uncertain look. “You’re welcome.”

Hayley keeps looking between us as if trying to figure out what’s really going on.

Cameron’s brow furrows as his gaze locks with mine. “You’re sure you don’t need more money?”

“No. I’m fine.”

Hayley’s eyes narrow on me. “Why would you need more money?”

“I don’t.” I give her an innocent smile, though I’m pretty sure I look like a lunatic.

She looks at Cameron. “Why would she need more money?”

Yeesh. Has she always been this suspicious?

Cameron shrugs. “She’s doesn’t.”

Hayley looks back and forth between us. “What’s going on? Monica, you’re acting weird, and Cameron, you look guilty.” She looks at me. “I thought you were going to use the money to pay down your student loans?”

“Um . . .” I’m not sure why I haven’t told Hayley about my mom—I haven’t even told Claire, who’s my best friend—but it’s clear I need to come clean before I fall any further down this rabbit hole. I glance at Cameron before taking a deep breath. “Actually, I needed the money to help pay for my mom’s back surgery.”

She gasps. “Your mom needs back surgery?”

“Yes.”

Hayley swings her gaze to Cameron. “And you knew about this?”

“Yeah.” His eyes never leave my face. “That’s all taken care of, right?”

“Yes.” I frown. “Well, sort of.”

Cameron’s brow furrows. “What do you mean?”

I shake my head. “Nothing. It’s just...” I blow out a breath. “It turns out they need more than what I gave them.”

Hayley reaches out and grasps my hand. “What do they need?”

My heart warms at her immediate show of support before my stomach churns with the realization she’s a far better friend than I am. Where she’s been open and trusting, I’ve been guarded and distant, lying to her about Cameron and not sharing my family’s struggles.

I squeeze Hayley’s hand in silent apology. “My mom needs someone to cover for her at work. And then she needs time to recover and help at home. But my dad can’t take more than a day or two off work.”

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