Page 22 of The Perfect Love

“Thanks.”

I take a big bite of the hash browns and eggs. Thank fuck Miles can cook. I mean, I can too, but cooking before school is not high on my list of priorities. For Miles, it’s a point of pride that he canfeed everyone. Between a home-cooked breakfast and Aaron’s coffee, I at least stop scowling.

Still, Rae leans over the counter on her elbows with a furrowed brow.

“Everything okay? After how you and Chelsea were last night, I wasn’t expecting a scowl from you this morning.”

I stop with my fork halfway to my mouth. Miles and Aaron lean against the kitchen counter, pretending like they’re not listening intently for what my answer will be.

They love to meddle.

“It ended a little… weird.”

“Weird how?”

“She kinda freaked out and ran off. Wouldn’t even let me walk her out.”

Rae’s lips pull flat, and Aaron’s eyes dart to her.

“Oh,” Rae says softly, which makes me set my fork down with a clatter.

“Why does it seem like you know something I don’t?”

She clears her throat. “I don’t…knowanything. And even if I did, it wouldn’t be mine to tell. It would be Chelsea’s.”

Helpful.

“Well, thank you for that clear as mud assessment.”

“Sorry.” She squeezes my hand. “For whatever it’s worth, I don’t think it was about you.”

“I’m trying to convince myself of that. Either way… would you—”

“I’ll check in with her when I get to campus.”

“Thanks.” I finally take another bite, then a long drink of my coffee. “And, uh, if you don’t think it will upset her, will you let her know I’m sorry if I did anything to—I don’t know—make her uncomfortable? I tried… to let her take the lead.”

Rae nods. “Of course. Like I said, I don’t think it was you.” She walks around the counter and pauses next to me, dropping her voice for a moment. “You’re one of the good ones.”

Then she heads upstairs and the guys both try to pretend they don’t want to fawn like mother hens.

I hold a hand up. “I’ll be fine, so go find someone else to fuss over.”

Aaron puts his coffee mug in the sink. “Good. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay before I ditch you.” He smacks my shoulder as he walks by. “I’d put on headphones if you come upstairs in the next few minutes. Oh, and good luck with Coach M this morning.”

And then he’s gone, and it’s only the papa bear of their ridiculous friend group staring at me.

“I’m fine,” I grumble.

“You said that a minute ago, which means I believe it even less now than I did then.”

“I’m a big boy. I can handle rejection.”

He shakes his head. “Maybe, but that’s not what the look on your face is about—or your conversation with Rae.”

“I’m worried about her, okay?”

He stares at me, assessing, then breaks into a smile.

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