Page 5 of Forever Wild

I can’t help but smile at her nonchalant way of referring to my career.

Me

Could be better.

How’s grad school treating you? Need more cash for textbooks or late-night pizza?

Lila

Haha. I asked for pizza ONE TIME. And I was drunk and very hungry, in my defense.

Plus, you’ve paid for enough. I told you my internship should be enough to cover tuition this semester.

My heart tightens at the memory of the first time she had to ask me for help with her tuition and how embarrassed she had been. If I hadn’t been such a self-centered ass, I would’ve known the small college fund our parents had saved wouldn’t be enough to cover all four years of an engineering degree plus a master’s degree. Especially with no sports scholarship like I had.

Me

I’m happy to help you. You get paid shit at your internship, and you should be having fun.

Lila

Like you’re having fun right now? When was the last time you saw any of your friends?

Me

You know being seen with me right now is a black mark on someone’s image, right?

Lila

That’s what private clubs are for. I thought that’s why you were out in the middle of nowhere at the only fancy golf course on the planet where you might accidentally step in cow shit.

Plus, JT reached out to me. You’ve ignored all his texts and calls. FOR A MONTH.

Me

How did he get your number? I swear to God, if he was hitting on you, I’ll shove my driver so far up his ass, it tees up his eyes.

I’m actually very certain Lila and JT haven’t been talking about anything other than how pathetic I am. They actively hate each other with a passion so strong, I can rarely be in the same area as both my favorite people at once. My parents set up two tables at Thanksgiving, supposedly because there are so many of us, but really so JT can come without having to fight with Lila the entire time. Still, it’s nice to remind her every once in a while that she’s too good for every man ever.

Lila

Super gross, oddly specific visual, bud. Plus, who I text is not your concern.

You avoiding the world for the last month, on the other hand, is my concern. I know you haven’t seen your BEST friend. Have you talked to anyone?

Me

I would gladly endure the required brain bleach to even know you’d had a one-night stand at this point.

I sigh, running a hand through my wet hair.

Me

I talked to a hot girl just this afternoon, in fact.

Not not true.

Lila

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