Page 80 of Pulled Away

“Because I was freaking sleeping.”

I’ll have to talk to him. I know they’re my friends, but this is my home for now, and I don’t like that he decides who gets to invade my privacy. Maybe if I didn’t feel the way I’m feeling right now, I wouldn’t mind. But I do because I’m pissed.

“For what it’s worth, he didn’t want to, but Bailey convinced him, and you know he can’t deny her anything.”

Guess I’ll be having a chat with Bailey then. Eyes narrowing, I take them in.

“Again, why are you here? Scaring ten years off my life,” I mutter.

Piper sits on my bed, folding her legs under her. “You were upset. We wanted to check up on you.”

“Wouldn’t you be? You lied to me.”

“I know, and I’m sorry.” She looks down, fiddling with her fingers. She sighs. “I didn’t mean to.”

“Then why did you?”

They share a look and once again I feel like I’m on the outside looking in.

“We can’t tell you.”

My laugh is dry and humorless, not hiding how much that stings. “Of course not.”

“I know it looks bad, but I want you to trust us, okay? We’re your friends, Aspen, and we’d never do anything to hurt you.”

I almost want to say, “Too late. You’ve already hurt me.” But I bite the words back. Am I being unfair to them? If I look past my bruised ego, they’ve given no sign they’re pulling back. They’ve been there every step of the way during the breakup, firmly planted in my corner, and supporting me.

But that’s the terrible thing about betrayal. It invites doubt and suspicion where before there weren't any. I’ve already lost Ryan, and I’m scared to lose them, too.

“I just don’t get the secrecy. Being in the same circle is a difficult situation with Ryan dating again, but you don’t need to lie to me. I’m a big girl. I can take it.”

“No,” they cry out together.

“No, what?”

“Ryan’s not dating,” Rose says firmly.

“Oh. I just assumed…”

“Well, you assumed wrong.” For some reason, she seems really upset.

“Then why lie to me? I don’t get it.”

“Just trust us, please?” Maya says, her face earnest. I bite my lip, feeling myself folding. Maya doesn’t have a mean bone in her body.

Their faces light up with relief when I nod.

“So, now that that’s out of the way, how was your date?” Piper asks, a naughty grin on her face.

“It wasn’t a date.”

“Are you going to see him again?”

“Yes,” I say firmly.

We had a great time. I think the man has superpowers because he took my mind off the disastrous start to the evening, and even had me laughing by the end of it. He didn’t kiss me again, and as promised, we went dutch.

I might not be ready just this minute, but the potential is there for more than just friendship.

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