Page 35 of Butterfly Effect

“Yeah? What about hers?”

While it is fun to irritate her, one thing I’ll never do is break Gabe Finch’s heart.

“Her heart’s safe with me, too.”

“You’re serious?”

I seriously can’t stop thinking about her.

“Yeah.”

“How serious?”

Serious enough that I haven’t been able to sleep with anyone else since her. I won’t admit it to Sky, though. She’d never believe me.

Quick! Make something up!

“She…keeps clothes here.”

Idiot. Of all the things, why’d you say that? Gabe is gonna have your left nut. This is a dangerous fucking game you’re playing, Wade.

“Whoa.” Her eyes go wider, blues thinning to rings around her dark pupils. “You’re sharing a closet?” Sky flops into the back of the couch. “This ismajor.”

Academy Awards, here I come.

“To be honest…” A hand scrapes through the side of my hair, my knee bouncing. “I’m trying to keep it together, but I’m freaking out. I have no idea what I’m doing.”

The manic look on my face is convincing enough. Skylar goes upright and softens against me. “Aw,Wade.” Her arm hooks through mine, and she rests her head on my shoulder, free hand palming my knee. “Dang. I knew you wanted to sleep with her, but look at you.” She switches to a baby voice and pinches my cheek. “All grown up and in a relationship.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I slap her hand away before we share a long exhale. “I mean, obviously, she’s beautiful, but beyond that, we’ve got this…connection.” Mostly bickering and hurling insults. “I can’t seem to stay away from her.”

My best friend squeals and kicks her feet. “Jaeg said something like that to me when we started dating. Most people think we’re too different. That I’m too social, and he’s a grouch. He might be gruff to everyone else, but he has never once raised his voice at me.” Her thumb wiggles her engagement ring and wedding band from the underside of her palm.

I knock my knee into hers, breaking her from the spell of focus on her hand. “That’s why I like him.”

We share thankful smiles as an alarm goes off on my phone.

“Oooh.Is it time for your big date?” She shoves my shoulder. It’s cute that she thinks she can move me. “Huphup!”

I fake falling sideways and roll off the couch before jumping to my feet. She stands and offers another hug. “Love you, Walty.” I don’t protest my most hated nickname. “I’m proud of you.”

“Get out of here. You’re a menace.”

Sky blows a kiss my way as she leaves.

I get another message from Gabe. There’s no point fighting the urge to smile.

Freckles

Where am I meeting you?

Me

You mean for our date??

Freckles

Answer the question.

---