Page 73 of The Playbook

“We didn’t have sex,” I interrupted.

“Of course, you didn’t,” she said, rolling her eyes. “I know you better than that. But something happened, right? You and him? Together?”

I licked my lips, weighting my options. “I don’t want anyone to know, Lana—”

“I’m not anyone, Grace. We’ve been best friends forever. I’m not stupid. I see the way he looks at you.” She blew out a breath when I remained silent before she pushed on. “Yesterday, you were late for band. I got a pass from Mr. Brown and went to find you because it’s not like you to be late. You know what I found?”

I swallowed. I’d been late to band because Logan had texted for me to meet him backstage of the auditorium. He’d dragged me into his arms and kissed me long and hard before finally letting me go.

“I saw my best friend kissing the quarterback. She was making out with the boy she hated. The one she keeps denying she feels anything for.”

“Lana—”

“No. I’m not mad. I just want you to know that I know and you don’t need to hide it—oranything—from me. Ever.” She closed her eyes for a moment to compose herself.

“I’m sorry. I wanted to tell you. I just. . . got scared, I guess.”

“Promise you won’t keep anymore secrets and I’ll forgive you.”

I let out a soft laugh. “I promise.”

“Good, because I want to tell you something too.”

I cocked my head at her, unsure of what she could possibly have to tell me.

“I may have made out with Ryan that night at my house too. After everyone went to bed. In my bedroom.” She bit her bottom lip. “And I may have made out with him again last night when I went to his place to hang out.”

Stunned, I blinked at her. “Are you two together?”

She shrugged, her cheeks reddening. “I don’t think so. He hasn’t asked me or anything. We’re just having fun I guess.” The way she said it didn’t sound like she was all that excited about his lack of commitment.

“Do you want me to ask Logan what’s going on?”

She shook her head. “Hell no. I’m just going to ride this one out. I really like him and don’t want to push him. We’re supposed to hang out tonight after the game, so maybe I’ll ask him and see what he wants.”

“Ok.”

We began walking again.

“Are you and Logan hanging out tonight?”

“I don’t think so. He hasn’t said anything about it. I assumed he’d go to the party like everyone else.”

He’d been dipping out of them lately. It seemed normal he’d go to one.

“I guess I’ll report back what he does if I see him.”

We reached the band room by then and went inside. Students were scurrying around as they got ready. The noise level was high with the honks and toots, but that wasn’t unusual.

“I trust him,” I said as Lana began assembling her flute.

“What?” She frowned up at me.

“Logan. I trust him. You don’t need to report back to me. If he goes, then I hope he has fun.”

“Aww,” Lana said, grinning at me. “You really do care about the jerk.”

I shrugged, feeling my cheeks heat. “Yeah, I guess I do. More than I care to admit, so you got me.”

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