Page 96 of Never Your Girl

Me

Just know I’m here for you if or when you need it.

ColdAsIce17

Thanks. It’s exactly what I needed to hear.

Me

Whatever is going on, you’ll make the right decision.

When the dots appear again, I hold my breath.

ColdAsIce17

Have I mentioned that you’re good people?

Me

Maybe once or twice. I’ll try not to let the compliment go to my head.

ColdAsIce17

You should. It’s the truth. Thanks for being you.

The words hit like a punch to the gut, and I stare at them, my emotions spinning. How ironic is it that Ice and I are both confused and opting to pull back just a bit to get some perspective?

Me

It’s easy when you’re the one on the other side.

As I stare at the message, I have to wonder if I actually miss him or the simplicity of our conversations, the anonymity of them. The freedom to be honest in a way I can’t be with most people. With Ice, there were no complicated feelings. No walls to break through or awkward silences to fill.

I hate how tangled everything now feels.

As soon as I hit send, a familiar voice cuts through my thoughts, and my head snaps up to find Garret, his expression carefully guarded. I shove my phone into my pocket and force a small smile.

“Hey, Garret. What’s up?”

“I was hoping we’d run into each other.” He stops in front of me, dragging a hand through his hair. “Do you have a moment to talk?”

“Umm.” I hitch my backpack higher on my shoulder. “I was just headed to the library to study for a test. Could we find a different time to meet up?”

His face falls in disappointment as he shifts. “Oh.” There’s a pause as he tilts his head. “It seems like you’ve been avoiding me lately.”

I glance away. The last thing I want to do is lie. “I’m sorry. You’re right, I have been. With everything going on, it just felt easier.”

He steps closer. “You mean because you’re with Bridger?”

“Yeah.”

His shoulders fall. “I’d really like the chance to explain some things to you. I promise, I won’t take up too much of your time.”

As much as I don’t want to sit down with Garret, maybe it’s better to get it over with. Even if Bridger weren’t in the picture, I don’t see Garret as anything more than a friend.

And that’s not going to change.

Against my better judgment, I nod. “Fine. Lead the way.”

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