Page 37 of For Emery

“What’s being your best friend entail these days?”

I smiled. “Well, for one, dancing with me when I need a dance partner.”

She laughed and the sound was like hearing my favorite childhood song, familiar and filled with the best memories.

“Playing games when I need a video game partner.”

“I hate video games,” she said.

“Since when?”

“Since forever.”

“Then why’d you play with me all the time?”

She tilted her head to the side, as if I should already know.

“How about checkers?” I continued. “Remember you used to kick my ass at checkers?”

“I could still kick your ass at checkers.”

I chuckled. “There are gonna be times I need someone to escort me to a party.”

“Sounds like you need a wingman, not a best friend.”

“Not true. I don’t need you helping me pick up girls.”

Her brows shot up.

“That’s what a wingman does,” I explained.

“Well, good, because I’ve never been good at thinking anyone is good enough for you.”

My heart stuttered in my chest. It had been a long time since someone thought I was worthy of anything good. I’d made sure of that. Pissing people off was my MO. It kept most at arm’s length. But the single observation from my oldest friend reminded me of the truth. “I’ve missed you.”

A smile tugged at her lips. “Good.”

“Emery?”

Her head twisted over her shoulder.

Flip stood there, impatience evident in his eyes. “We’re gonna head out. You staying?”

Her eyes cut back to me, indecision written on her face. But it took no more than a second for her hands to drop from my shoulders. She turned to Flip. “Nope. I’m coming with you guys.” She glanced back at me. “Thanks for the dance.”

And then she was gone, following Flip like one of his minions.

I didn’t like watching her walk away. Last time had been torture. I’d never let that happen again.

Emery

I stepped inside my room after my shower and dropped down onto my bed. The night had been…unexpected. I wanted to stay with Jordan, but I’d come with Flip and my hall mates. I wasn’t trying to make this a game. I’d been truthful when I told Jordan that Flip was my first friend on campus. I wouldn’t ditch him now that I’d found my old friend. Even if that old friend held a huge piece of my heart.

My phone pinged on my nightstand. I grabbed it and flopped back onto my bed, finding a text from an unfamiliar number. Just so you know. This isn’t about him or me. It’s about me and you.

Who is this? I texted back.

Who do you think it is?

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