Page 82 of The Cupid Chronicles

Good grief.

He makes a face, but I can’t quite read it. It almost looks like understanding.

“I think we are who we are. You can’t change your personality.” He shrugs. “And you shouldn’t try. Don’t make yourself smaller because you’ve been surrounding yourself with idiots.”

“That’s nice coming from someone who doesn’t even want to be my friend.” I smirk so he knows I’m joking, but I’m joking because I don’t know what to do with his kindness.

“Yeah, about that . . .”

I set down my fork, paying attention with my whole body.

“I was a little quick. I’m not used to”—he points to me—“someone who’s a lot.” He smirks. “Would it make you happy if I said we could be . . . friends?” He says this in his mostannoyed tone, like this really is a giant inconvenience, and yet, I hear the tease in his voice, andthatis what I latch onto.

A smile crawls across my face. “Yes.”

“Fine,” he says. “But only because I’m genuinely afraid to let you feed yourself anymore.”

I pump my fist. “Woo! I knew I’d wear you down.”

He shakes his head. “And I take it back. Not friends, sorry. Too weird.”

I look at him, mocking shock.

He looks back.

And we laugh.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Iris

I have a new friend.

He’s a hot chef.

Teenage Iris, who takes up far too much space in my brain, is kicking her feet and trying not to giggle. Phase Two has been activated, and I didn’t even force it to happen.

It’s a step up from “rude neighbor,” but I have to remember this is strictly platonic.

Don’t romanticize this, Iris.

I know if I start getting too emotional, I’ll sabotage this fledgling friendship before it ever really begins.

“So, if we’re friends,” I say, wishing it was the beginning and not the end of my meal, “does that mean?—”

“Still no personal questions,” he says, cutting me off.

I groan. “Oh, come on. Just one?”

“Nope.”

“I just want to know how you do it,” I say.

“Do what?”

“Stop caring what people think.”

He ponders this. “Okay, I’ll allow that one.” He leans back against the counter. “It’s not like I don’t care whatanyonethinks. I have some people whose opinions I value. Like my grandpa. And Val. People who matter.”

---