Page 6 of Scoring with my Bestie's Ex

“I just can’t believe you’re not jealous,” she mutters.

I frown at her. “But why would I be jealous?”

Chapter three

Bella

“Why would I be jealous?”

Is he serious?

There’s every reason for him to be jealous, isn’t there? Ellen and he were once together. It is only natural for him to feel angry at seeing her with another man.

Am I wrong?

Maybe it’s because he has no desire to be back with her? Or maybe it’s because he was never truly in love with her?

I rub my forehead, disliking the turn of this conversation. It reminds me too vividly of my own relationship and how angry Steven would be if he saw me talking with Aaron right now.

We’re not even flirting.

Talking would be enough for him.

“You know, it’s getting really hot out here,” I say. “I’m going in.”

I quickly head into the cabin. Ellen and Mike are talking, both holding ice-filled glasses.

“Mike, we better get back to the cabin,” Aaron says behind me.

I sigh out a breath of relief. Mike gives Ellen an apologetic look and heads out.

Ellen follows him to the doorway, then stares out after them for a while.

My head pounds as I slide into a chair at the table. Maybe it’s just the heat.

With a squeal, Ellen shuts the door and turns around. “Isn’t he amazing?”

Oh, I know exactly where this is going. My stomach starts to churn. I can’t take it. It’s been bad enough pretending to be having a good time for Ellen’s sake.

“I want to go home,” I blurt.

Ellen’s eyes widen. She hurries over. “Oh, honey, I’m sorry! I wasn’t thinking. You’re right, I shouldn’t have invited him in. Let’s go get ice cream.”

“No. I want to go home, Ellen.”

“We’re leaving tomorrow.”

I shake my head, fighting the emotion boiling up in me. “Ellen, please. We came to Castleton because you thought it would help me. It hasn’t helped. I need to go home.”

Ellen’s shoulders slump. She puts an arm around my shoulder. “I’m sorry. I really thought you were doing better here. If you really want to leave, then we can leave. I’ll go get us checked out and then come back to pack.”

“I’ll start packing.” I give her a reluctant smile. “But also, if you want to stop by the big cabin and get Mike’s number, go ahead.”

By the look on her face, I know that she already has his number. She chews her lip, her eyebrows twitching together like a scolded golden retriever.

I can’t help it. I burst out laughing. The awful feelings in the pit of my stomach release as I get up and hug her.

“It’s okay. I’m glad you hit it off. And for whatever it’s worth, Aaron told me he’s a good guy.” I release her and nod shakily.

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