Page 95 of Collided

“Oh my, you guys are here.” Marie half-screams across the room. Hope and I both turn to see her.

Taking quick, hurried steps she approaches our table and slides in next to Hope. Throwing her arms around her she fires questions. “Are you okay? Is everything okay? Why weren’t you at school? I missed you. Mr. Carlie spent an extra fifteen minutes, and I wanted…”

I zone out Marie’s rambling and glance at Sebastian who watches her with a look of someone who’s whipped.

“No need to stare. She’s all yours.”

He smiles. “It’s hard to believe it sometimes.”

“Put a ring on her, then.”

“Soon.”

I stare at him in surprise, but he just smiles.

The waitress from before leaves our food and asks Marie and Sebastian for their order. Marie is too busy bombarding Hope with questions, so Sebastian orders for the both of them.

Once done he turns to me with a sick smile. “So, you and her, huh?”

I glare. “There’s no herandme.”

“Right, of course. There’s anus.”

“Fuck off.” Because of him, my brain can’t think of Hope in an innocent way.

“Excuse me? What did I do?”

I lean closer so the girls can’t hear us. “Feed my brain the idea that it'sgoodto be friends with her. I can’t be her friend.”

“Why the hell not?” My mouth sews shut. “Wait a sec. You asked her to be your friend. When did this happen?”

I pop a fry into my mouth. “This morning. We were on the hill, talking, and I fucking asked her.”

“Hill as in your secret place where no one is allowed,evenme.” Bash puts a hand on his chest as if he’s offended.

He can be as offended as he wants. I don’t care. Sometimes I need silence to quiet the chaos in my head.

“Yes,” I mumble.

Surprise contorts his face. “Woah! I didn’t think you would. I’m offended.”

I roll my eyes. “It’s not a big deal.”

Sebastian slaps his forehead and everyone in the room looks at him.

Fucking great. More attention. Exactly what I needed.

“What happened?” Marie’s eyes bounce between the two of us.

“Nothing, babe,” Sebastian convinces her with a smile but shoots me a mean glare.

Marie nods. “I’m hungry. Do you want something?”

“I already ordered for us, babe.” Sebastian winks at her. Marie grins like a damn fool.

This is what I’ve been subjected to since last year. Third fucking wheeling.

My gaze flickers to Hope who’s smiling at them. At once her eyes find mine. She blushes and looks away.

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