Page 103 of We Can't Be Friends

Is this the type of girl Cal brings home? Is this why he hasn’t tried to kiss me again?

Bubbles of self-doubt simmer in me.

“Who are you?” I bark out.

She wears her heart on her sleeve, emotions displayed like her face is a jumbotron. I watch as her demeanor shifts, eyes drop defensively.

“I could ask the same.” She gives me a once-over. “Tattoos. Jeans and a black jumper.You’re Chloe.”

“What are you doing here?” I cross my arms defensively.

“Visiting Callum. Did he not. . .” She pauses, dramatic effect. “Tell you?” Her head tilts.

I run my tongue on the front of my top teeth, reigning in the envy starting to boil.

I’m jealous. . .

Of her. Of whatever she is to Cal.

Great.

After earlier this week—the kiss and him moaning my name—we had finally gotten back into a semi-normal routine. I was finally able to not constantly want my roommate at all hours of the day.

The stranger picks up on the tension in my shoulders, the mental game being played in my head—that I’m clearly losing if I’m jealous.Jealous?!I want to smack my palm to my forehead or run the back across my skin to make sure I’m not running a fever and hallucinating these emotions, but I refrain.

“Wow. You totally are crushing on him,” she says barely above a whisper.

Both of our heads jolt toward Cal, hurrying down the steps.

“Oi, Dais. I didn’t realize you’d be home so soon. This ismy sister, Audrey.”

My head ricochets back to her, jaw tense. Suddenly, she's much more recognizable, except for the hair color and bangs.

“Audrey,” I parrot.

She smiles, a dimple identical to Cal’s forms on her right cheek. “Hi, Chloe.” Her petite hand reaches out to me again. “Nice to finally meet you.”

I take her hand this time.

“You had me there for a minute.” I roll my eyes. Audrey winks.

“Did I miss something?” he asks us.

In unison, we both say, “No.”

“Henry, can we talk real quick?” Cal gestures with his head.

I follow behind him to the living room. Audrey puts away the few groceries I bought.

“I didn’t know she was coming,” he informs me, reading the aftershock of confusion on my face. “She called me while you were out. She was already at the airport. I’ve tried asking her why she’s here, but she keeps giving me the same reason.”

“Aren’t you going home later this month?” He nods. “What about classes?”

“I guess she can take her exams online.” Cal had mentioned Audrey is getting her PhD in psychology.

“Okay.”

“You aren’t mad?”

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