Page 102 of Accidental Roommates

“Is that really the reason? Is that really why you’re getting so upset right now?”

“Yeah. You’re doing something that’s going to get you hurt. Maybe you don’t see it, but I do, and I’m trying to save you from that.”

“No one can save themselves from getting hurt. That’s life. You’ve said it yourself in all the talks we’ve had about relationships.”

“Yeah, but if you know you might get hurt by getting involved with someone, you can choose not to.”

“What if you can’t?” He pauses, his eyes on mine. “What if you’re in too deep and it’s too late?”

“What are you saying? That you’re still in love with Nikki?”

He doesn’t answer but just looks down and shakes his head.

“I’ll be back later.” He turns and walks off.

I stand at the door and watch him leave, completely confused by what he said. What did he mean? Why is it too late? Too late for what?

My phone rings and I see Dan’s name on the screen.

“Hey, Dan,” I say, going back in the house.

“Hey, how’s it going? You took off last night without saying goodbye.”

“Sorry, I wasn’t feeling great so I went home. But I’m fine now.”

“So, um, you and Jace. Are you two together or not? I didn’t get a clear answer last night.”

A few minutes ago, I wasn’t sure about it either, but given that Jace just went to see Nikki, I’d say the answer is clear.

“We’re not together. In fact, I think Jace might get back with his ex.”

“Really? That was fast. Didn’t she just break up with Carter?”

“Or he broke up with her. I don’t know the whole story.”

“I don’t either. I saw them fighting at the party last night and then she stormed out.”

“Jace just left to go see her.” I probably shouldn’t be telling him this. He’ll tell his friends and soon everyone will know.

“Does that mean you’re available?”

“Yeah, I guess it does,” I say, even though I was always available. Jace and I were never a couple.

“How about tonight? Can I take you to dinner?”

“I really need to get this paper done for history. Could we do it some other night?”

“What about tomorrow? I have football practice, but we could go after that. Maybe around seven? I’ll swing by and pick you up.”

“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Ending the call, I go back in the kitchen and dump the rest of the eggs down the sink. We only had a few bites before we were interrupted by Nikki and her urgent need to have her stuff moved. Like she doesn’t know other guys who could help her? She knows every guy on the basketball team. One of them could’ve helped her. It didn’t have to be Jace. She definitely wants him back. Either that, or she wants to make Carter jealous so he’ll get back together with her.

Back in my room, I try to work on my paper but keep getting interrupted by thoughts of Jace with Nikki. I can’t believe he went over there. Can’t he see she’s manipulating him?

I decide to call Tori. She’s probably on a plane somewhere, but I try calling her anyway because I really need to talk. I’m feeling antsy and anxious, and if I don’t calm down, I’ll never finish this paper.

“I was just about to call you,” Tori answers. “It’s like you read my mind!”

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