Page 127 of Study Buddies

“Yeah, it’s really nice. But don’t you and Grant need some privacy without Theo and Ian there?”

My friend took a deep breath. “I’m not with Grant.”

“What?” The word came out louder than I’d meant it to. “You two looked so good together, and he had his hands all over you and?—”

“I’m with all three of them.”

I stopped dead, staring at my friend, wondering if I’d heard wrong. At least, I exclaimed, “Holy shit.”

“Holy shit!” a voice echoed.

We both spun around to find Mia behind the counter, her hands clamped over her mouth. “I’m so sorry!” Her sound was muffled between her fingers. “I wasn’t trying to listen!”

I’d completely forgotten about her. From the look on Hailey’s face, she had, too. It was just so quiet and private down here, or so it had felt like a moment ago.

“I should’ve gone in the back room when you started talking about that stuff,” Mia said, looking anguished. “Please don’t tell my manager.”

To my surprise, Hailey was taking this in stride. “It took me months to admit this to Tori, so there’s no danger of me telling your manager.”

Mia’s eyes were still wide. “No, that I was eavesdropping,” she said earnestly.

“I believe my friend is kidding,” I said, and Hailey nodded. “But please don’t tell anyone.”

“Of course not.” Mia still looked stricken, as if she’d broken doctor-patient confidentiality or something.

“I’m glad you told me.” I patted Haileys’ arm. “And you can trust Mia.” She was Jayden’s friend, but she was rapidly becoming mine as well.

Hailey took a deep breath, then turned to Mia, who looked worried that Hailey might throw the rest of her scone at her. “Well, come on over.”

“What?” Mia squeaked.

“You can’t hear that much and not hear the rest.”

I gaped at my friend. The version of Hailey sitting before me today was far more confident and self-assured than the one I’d first met. But was she really with all three of those hot-as-hell men?

“Come on.” Hailey waved Mia over. After a long pause, Mia grabbed a water bottle and came over to sit on the other side of me.

When she was settled, I turned to Hailey. “How long has it been like that?”

“Since before we moved in together. That’s why we moved in together.”

I was just so floored. “And… it’s working?”

“It’s incredible. I love them all.”

“Three men?” Mia finally ventured faintly. “Is that—is that something women do these days?”

Hailey shook her head. “It had never crossed my mind before I met them. But they’re all just so amazing, and they’re best friends, and it all just kind of worked out.”

It was still hard to wrap my head around—even though I’d had both Kyle and Jayden kiss me at the same time in the library. “Like… you all are in a real relationship? Like for the long haul?”

“I think so. It sure feels that way to me. We’re already talking about what we’re going to do after graduation.”

Wow. “You’re making plans together?” I asked.

“Yep. I know it sounds strange, but it works for us. It’s… I never expected anything like this, but it’s wonderful.”

“I’m glad you’re happy. And that you told me.”

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