Page 7 of Revved up & Ready

“But yousaidit was just going to be you and the guys,” I say, stepping forward so Jared can’t leave the bedroom without looking me in the eye.

“I can’t control who brings their girlfriends,” he sighs.

“Why didn’t you invite me once you saw they were there?” My hands instinctively move to my hips, but I drop them, not wanting tolookas angry as I feel.

“I don’t know… didn’t think about it.” He gives me a look that makes me feel like an idiot for even bringing it up. “I’m allowed to do stuff without you.” His tone is sharp in a way I barely recognize.He never used to talk to me like this.

“Of course you are,” I reply, leaving out what I really want to ask.But why didn’t you want me there?

“Good. We agree. Love you.” He kisses my cheek and walks past me into the hall, ending the argument without resolution.

I’m left standing alone in our bedroom, the silence heavy with something he isn’t telling me.

He never used to keep secrets. He never shut me down like this.There was a time when he invited me to everything because he liked my company more than anyone else’s. He loves me, or at least, he used to. He was so sweet back then—staying up late with me while I baked, surprising me with flowers or even spontaneous vacations. But now? I can’t even remember the last time he did something like that. The last time he made me feel special.How long has it been since I last felt loved by him?

I’m torn between needing to know what happened at that bar tonight and fearing what I might learn.If it’s what I think it is, I don’t know how I’ll get past it.

I shut the door behind him and curl up in a ball on the bed, feeling small, lost in thoughts I don’t want to face.

Hanna could have invited me, too, I guess. Jared has this tight-knit group of friends he’s known since college. Recently, they’ve all started dating younger girls in their early twenties—except for Jared, of course.Maybe those girls just don’t like me?

My phone vibrates, and seeing Allie’s name on the screen brings a moment of relief.

Allie: Remember I told you about my new landlord? The gorgeous jackass one? You will never guess who he’s friends with.

Me: Please tell me! I could use some gossip right now.

Allie: The race naked guy! Do you remember him?

Me: Cam Hacker?

Allie: Yes! He just came over here and got coffee with stupid Luke. I think he’s visiting.

I start typing a response about how Cam is Jared’s favorite racer but delete it just as fast. If I bring Jared up, Allie’s going to ask how things are going between us, and that’s the last thing I want to talk about right now.

Me: Cam’s a good guy, no? If they’re friends, maybe your landlord isn’t all bad?

Allie: Ugh. No. Luke sucks. Trust me.

Me: He sucks, but he’s gorgeous?

Allie: A truly unfortunate combo.

Cam

Seven months ago, Allie’s office,Turbine Café – Palm Springs, California

“You’re supposed to be helping me,” Luke grumbles, his words muffled by the nail he’s holding between his teeth. We’re adding storage to Allie’s office in preparation for the bar they’re opening together next month.

“I am helping,” I reply from my perch on top of her desk, leaning against the wall.

He shakes his head. “Then would you assemble the stand in the box on Allie’s desk?”

I open the box to find a book of coffee puns, mismatched highlighters and pens, a chippedTurbine Cafémug—now this is interesting—a framed picture of Allie, her friend Devon, and a gorgeous blonde with a dimpled smile who looks vaguely familiar. She’s wearing a yellow bikini that matches the gigantic tiki drink in her hand almost perfectly.Do I know her from somewhere?

I hop off the desk and show the picture to Luke. “Who’s this?”

“That’s the wrong box,” he mutters, not looking up.

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