Was that married couple energy when we made out at the club last night, and then vowed for it to be a one time thing?
I mean, Ihopemarried couples make out like that.
Okay, call me corny. But my parents set a good example for my sister and I growing up in a loving relationship. And my dad always said that the most important thing about a relationship is that youcan make her laugh.
So with Avery on the bed, in that skimpy freaking outfit, my mind is spinning.
“Hey,” she says, grinning at me. “This is fun. Griffin…you’re fun.”
I clear my throat, and I’m in full panic mode now.
Bro, get a grip. This isn’t some porno. Sure you might have read her list of top fantasies, but this is your sister’s best friend. You joke a lot but this absolutely cannot happen. Not now. Not ever. Last night was an exception. So just move on. The lady told you in plain English that this was a one time thing…even if she calls you “fun.”
“Anyways. I, uh, I’m gonna head downstairs. Catch ya later…alligator. I mean, Hasta la pasa limonada!” I yell awkwardly.
Okay, that didn’t make any sense. My Spanish is melting away in Avery Sinclair’s presence.
Before she can respond, I let the door shut, and let out a relieved sigh outside in the hall.
As I step into the hallway, letting the door click shut behind me, I suck in a deep, steadying breath.
What the hell is wrong with me?
Inside that room is Avery Sinclair—my sister’s best friend, the girl I’ve spent half my life arguing with—and I just had a full-on existential crisis over her laugh.
I shake my head, pressing my palms against my face. Bro, get a grip.You’re acting like a lovesick idiot.
Get a grip, Griffin.
Just then, I hear the telltaleclick-clackof heels echoing down the hallway. I glance up, and sure enough, it’s Dr. Peterson, striding toward me like she’s on a mission.
“Griffin Knox,” she says in that clipped, no-nonsense tone that instantly makes me stand up straighter. “Are you all right? You look like you just walked out of a telenovela breakup scene.”
I blink, flushed. “Oh…weird. No. Nope. Never. Me and Avery would never…you know.”
“How’s she doing, with her breakup?” Geez. Gossip really travels in this hotel.
“Ups and downs, Doctor Peterson. Ups and downs. The stuff of life.”
“Right. Well I hear from your professor that your Spanish is coming along nicely. Keep up the effort. I’m actually surprised you’ve been one of the good ones on this trip, making it to class and everything.”
I give her a tight smile, my brain spinning from her words. “Yeah, you know me. Star student. Big fan of conjugating verbs.”
Dr. Peterson raises an eyebrow like she’s not buying it. “Well, don’t let me keep you from…wherever you’re going.”
“Downstairs,” I blurt, far too loudly. “I’m going… downstairs.”
“Good for you.” She gives me a curt nod and starts walking away, but then pauses mid-step and glances back at me. “And, Griffin?”
“Yes?”
Her expression is perfectly serious, but I swear there’s the faintest flicker of amusement in her eyes. “Maybe next time, walk instead of sprinting out of your room like a man being chased. You could hurt someone.”
I choke out a laugh. “Noted. Thanks, Dr. Peterson.”
fifteen
. . .