Page 74 of Unspoken Rules

Tomas: Five okay? We can catch a movie?

Me: Perfect

I purposely put my phone down without locking it, hoping Cole sees the text thread. I’m not sure if he does or not. The drive back to his house is silent, and when we get inside, he goes to his office, and I go up to my room.

The best way to get over someone is to get under someone else.

I’m just going to make sure I have condoms when I do it.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Bryson

We catch the newest comedy movie that I can’t get into, no matter how hard I try. When I was sitting at breakfast, this seemed like a great idea. But now that I’m here? All I can think about is Cole. Not in a longing way like I miss him, but in an I’m pissed and hate you way. I’m so enraged about this Tuesday-date-mystery woman, and the worst part is I have no right to be.

If I ask him about it, I’m going to look crazy. Meaning, I’m going to spend the rest of my life freaking out over this, not knowing what the hell is happening.

Unless I play the STD angle. I mean, I could ask him what the fuck was up with that, considering my genitals are at risk. Doesn’t mean I’d look any less crazy. I’m pretty sure that’s a common front for jealousy, but damnit, this is frustrating.

When the movie is done, we grab food at a local pub that isn't too busy for a Sunday night. Classic rock plays quietly in the background, a few people sit at the bar watching whatever game is on, and only about a quarter of the tables are taken.

“Have you seen Chris this weekend?” I ask.

Tomas shakes his head. “Don’t see him around much usually. Only when I’m at Mark’s, but he’s typically locked away in a room with a new chick.”

I scoff. Like father, like son, huh?

“Is everything okay?” he asks carefully.

Maybe I should have kept that scoff to myself.

“I don’t know. We had a fight. He’s been drinking a lot. His dad is upset.”

“Chris does go a little hard with the alcohol. Though, like father, like son, I guess.”

I narrow my eyes. One: it’s weird he said that when I was just thinking it. Two: why the hell does he think that?

“Cole doesn’t drink often.” I’m careful to keep my words neutral, not wanting to sound as defensive as I feel.

Tomas raises a brow at me. “That’s not what I hear.”

“From who?” I ask.

Okay, so fail at not sounding defensive that time.

“Personal experience.”

Is he saying… Did he? No. He did not hook up with Cole.

He better not have hooked up with Cole.

Has Cole slept with half this town, or what?

“What is that supposed to mean?” He looks at me, frowning. Then it hits me. “Does this have something to do with your father?”

I realize I shouldn’t have asked that the moment it comes out of my mouth, but I have this strange sense of protection over Cole. Even if I am pissed at him.

Tomas just stares at me.

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