Page 43 of Two Minutes for Holding

DYLAN: Already there, and you already know what I did.

LEVI: Hypothetically, I’d be finding some new friends. The advice in here sucks.

KNOX: That too…but seriously, if you need to get a lawyer.

COLTON: Who was the broad you shacked up with that night?

LEVI: Yeah?

LUCAS: It really looked like Peyton from far away…

KNOX: Drop that now, Lucas. It’s my sister you’re talking about and besides, she already told me it wasn’t her.

I squirmed at the last comment. He’d asked his sister. Jesus, I could only imagine how she must have felt during that interrogation, because I knew Knox well enough to know it wouldn’t just be a question. It would also come with a lecture.

CLAY: Didn’t catch her name and I don’t need a fucking lawyer. Jesus, it was a hypothetical.

I placed my phone on the table and ran my fingers through my hair. They’d been absolutely no help. All I’d wanted was an answer to my question, I thought to myself as my phone continued to ping with unread messages.

Finally, I reached for my phone, going to turn the ringer off, when I glanced at the screen. There was a private message from Dylan there while the conversation between the guys continued.

DYLAN: Is everything okay? Are you in some trouble? It will stay between us.

I knew without a doubt he’d keep it between us, but I was still a little hesitant to say anything. There normally wasn’t anything I wouldn’t tell these guys. This time, it was only different because of who the girl was. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have been a hypothetical question at all and I’d have spilled it all.

CLAY: You’re sure?

DYLAN: I’ve spilled nothing you’ve ever told me. No reason to start now.

CLAY: It can’t leave this chat, I’m serious. I regret even starting the other chat. It was a stupid move on my part.

DYLAN: That’s fine. It will stay between us and won’t be revealed unless you do it yourself.

CLAY: It’s Peyton.

As I hit enter, I closed my eyes, instantly regretting telling him. I pinched the bridge of my nose, waiting for a reply.

DYLAN: Peyton?

DYLAN: …As in Evans?

CLAY: Yep.

DYLAN: Holllleeeee… fuck… me….

DYLAN: Please, for the love of your actual hockey stick, tell me this is hypothetical????

CLAY: No, this… is…real life…

DYLAN: *whistles*

CLAY: I know…I’m a walking dead man

DYLAN: you’re certain?

CLAY: Yep…she told me tonight

DYLAN: How? When?

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