Page 190 of How to Win the Girl

“’Cause I have three sisters, and I play mediator between them more times than I can count. Joanna is the worst.”

I let my body relax into the mattress. “I keep forgetting you’re one of four.”

Just like Drake.

Ugh, damn him, why won’t he leave my brain?

“When are you going to take his phone calls?” Stella finally works up the courage to ask. “He’s stopped by the house twice, and I will say this about the guy—he is no quitter.”

I roll my eyes. “He can’t help himself. He’s competitive.”

“That has nothing to do with it.”

I disagree. “That has everything to do with it.”

“You need to hear him out. You can’t hide from this.”

“I’m not hiding. It’s only been a day. I’m processing, there’s a huge difference.”

“Or. You’re avoiding having to deal with it by laying on your bed and demanding I braid your hair.”

“I’m not demanding you braid my hair, I’m—"

“Knock, knock.”

A tall, brown-haired girl is standing in the doorway who is most certainly not Gabby, wearing black leggings and an oversized hooded sweatshirt. I’ve never seen this person a day in my life, and for a second, I fear it’s one of Shannon’s roommates here to kick my ass.

“Hi. Sorry for interrupting,” she says, hesitating in the doorframe. “I’m…”

Ryann Winters.

Dallas Colter’s girlfriend.

Drake and Drew’s roommate.

“Can I come in?”

I sit up straight on the bed, brushing the hair out of my eyes. “Hi. Yes, come in.” I scoot across the bed as if I were making room for her—as if she were going to plop down and join me.

To my surprise, she does.

She kicks off her shoes by the door and climbs onto the bed next to Stella and I, and oddly, it doesn’t feel weird.

Clearly, she’s here for a reason, and that reason can only be one thing: to come to Drake’s defense.

“Did Drake send you here?” My tone comes out more of an accusation than I’d intended it to.

“Yes and no.” Ryann’s voice is quiet and thoughtful. “I’m sorry we’re meeting like this for the first time, but I’m afraid there’s not much to do about it.”

I nod.

This does suck. “Yeah, I always assumed it would be over a cute drink or I’d see you at the house or something. Not…” My hands flail, motioning around the room. “Over something like this.”

“I’m Stella, by the way.” Stella introduces herself, reaching to shake Ryann’s hand on the other side of the bed, leaning over me awkwardly. “I’m the roommate and the best friend, more best friend than roommate.”

Ryann shakes it with a smile. “Lucky you, living with females. I live with two guys, and it’s awful—no offense.”

Ha ha. None taken.

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