Page 126 of The Girlfriend Zone

The earlier tension from class fades completely as I let myself focus on Miles and the whirlwind of emotions he stirs up. “He’s kind of…” My stomach flips, my chest tightening with a mix of nerves and something far more dangerous. “He’s great. Like, really great. And it’s weird that he’s so great. I don’t know what to do with him being this great.”

Josie raises a hand, her blue eyes curious. “Did you just skip all the sex part and jump straight to feelings?”

“I guess I did,” I say, a little sheepish. Then I smirk. “Do you want me to back up and tell you how absolutely incredible it was? Because it was. Best I’ve ever had.”

Maeve claps her hands several times. “Thank you, because that’s super important.”

Fable nods sagely. “Never underestimate the benefits of a good banging.” She grins, turning to Maeve next to her. “Put that on one of your mirrors, Maeve.”

Maeve, who’s expanding her art business with a line of mirrors featuring cute love lessons, taps her chin thoughtfully. “That is solid advice. But maybe I’ll add, ‘Never underestimate the value of a man who truly gives a shit about you.’”

There’s a collective sigh around the table, and my heart goes a little squishy.

But then Everly gives me a concerned look, her brow furrowed. “What are you going to do about it, though? You know…your dad and everything.”

The warmth in my chest is doused with a bucket of ice. There are so many feelings swirling inside me right now that it’s hard to find space for them all. “I honestly don’t know,” I admit, shrugging. “I’m trying not to think about it.”

The conversation shifts when the food arrives, and I let myself breathe. It’s easier to join in when I’m not in the spotlight.

We’re finishing up when an athletic blonde with shiny hair and a shinier ring walks past. She does a double take and turns to Everly. “Everly, how are you? It’s so good to see you!”

“Sabrina!” Everly lights up, standing to hug the woman in a cute pink sweater and distressed jeans. She’s all smiles and exudes a poised, magnetic energy thatimmediately draws attention. Also, her rock is as bright as a disco ball. It’s on her left hand, so she must be engaged.

Everly quickly introduces her to the table. “Everyone, this is Sabrina. She’s withGlace,” she says, mentioning the Cirque du Soleil-esque ice show that’s set up camp in San Francisco for a long stay. “And amazing, by the way. You should see her triple loop. Well, you will—she’ll be at the rink in a couple weeks doing a promo.”

Sabrina waves, her bright eyes sparkling with warmth. “It’s so nice to meet you all. And here’s hoping I can keep the crowd entertained while they wait for the boys to get back out there.”

“Our fans love the intermission entertainment,” Everly assures her, then gestures to me. “Leighton will be there too—she’s taking photos for the event.”

“Perfect!” Sabrina’s smile widens. “Can’t wait to see you then.”

We chat for a few more minutes before she heads out, her effortless confidence stirring something in me. She reminds me of how I felt more than a year ago in the studio with Miles. I wouldn’t mind getting that feeling back.

When we’re done, I’m glad to have spent this time with my friends, but I’m also ready to go.

On the bus back to Miles’s house, I’m mentally making plans for later when I see him while trying to close the loop with my mother on the handbag shoot. Last night, I finally replied to her text asking for more details, but as she sends me the dates now, I’m secretly relieved. They line up perfectly with dates for the Sea Dogs calendar’s shoots. The money would have been nice, but it’s not even an option. As we trundle past the cafés and shops on Chestnut Street I write back.

Leighton: Sorry! I can’t be in two places at once. But I appreciate the offer.

Her reply is lightning fast.

Mom: That’s disappointing! Usually you’re so good at making time for these.

Yup. Still passive aggressive. But I stand my ground as I tap out a note.

Leighton: That’s not the issue. The issue is I’m working with the Sea Dogs, and I literally have a shoot on those days.

Really, that ought to be enough to settle her down. But my phone buzzes again as the bus nears Miles’s home.

Mom: Perhaps I can convince the Sea Dogs to move the shoot? I can bevery persuasive.

Why doesn’t she just movehershoot? That would make the most sense. And yet, she wants everyone to bend to her. Still, I don’t know what she might try to pull, so I try to nip that in the bud.

Leighton: Please don’t. I’ll try to make the next one.

Mom: Brilliant! Send me your schedule and I’ll work around you.

I roll my eyes—she finally gets it. But also, I don’t want to send her my schedule. That feels entirely too personal for some reason, and I don’t entirely know why. It just does. My schedule is mine. I don’t share it with others. Still, I want to treat her the way I want to be treated by her—with respect. So I reply with that in mind.

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