Page 100 of My Rules

“I have plans.”

“Oh ... okay.” Disappointment sounds through her voice.

“What are you doing?” Antony asks.

“I have a date.”

“With who?” Antony asks.

Shut. Up.

“With whom,” I correct him. “And that is none of your business. I’m taking a shower.” I walk upstairs as I hear them continue to chat. I take my time and shower. I make my bed, and I can still hear them downstairs.

Go home already.

Eventually, I can’t dawdle anymore, and I make my way back downstairs. Now they’re all on my front porch, sitting on the steps, and I walk out and sit in the chair.

“So, Bec ...,” Antony says. “What’s going on with Logan?”

Her eyes immediately flick to me and then back to Antony. “Nothing.”

“He seems interested.”

“Ah ... not at all.” She shrugs casually as she tries to blow it off. “He’s just being friendly.”

“Are you going out with Ruby tonight, Blake?” She turns her attention to me.

“No.”

Her eyes search mine. “So someone new, then?”

“Yes.”

She nods, as if thinking over my answer.

“Anyway, I’m going to get going,” Henley says. He gives Antony a slap on the back and then hugs me. “Don’t get into any trouble while I’m gone.”

“Ha. How can I when the troublemaker will be away?”

“I’m coming over to see Juliet in a minute,” Rebecca tells him.

“Okay, bye, guys.” Antony and Henley disappear, and Rebecca lingers.

Go home.

“I’ll see you later.” I force a smile as I go to walk inside.

“Blake . . .”

I turn back to her.

“Are we okay?”

“Why wouldn’t we be?”

“You just seem . . . off.”

“I’m fine.” I point inside my house with my thumb. “I’ve got a lot to do. I’ll catch you later, okay?” I walk into my house, and I hear the screen go as she walks in behind me.

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