Page 119 of We Can't Be Friends

“She’s interesting,” Mom says.

“She’s incredible,” I rebuttal.

“We’ll see—” Mom draws out her words, walking to catch up with Dad.

Audrey hangs back, looping her arm with mine as we walk back to my place.

“Do you think they’re convinced?” I ask in a hushed tone.

“Well Mom only frowned 60 percent of the time. . . so, I’d say yeah!”

“I need her convinced, Auds.”

“Mom or Chloe?”

“Huh?”

“Who are you trying to convince you are dating? Mom or Chloe.” She raises a brow. “I think you might want to date her for real.”

Do I?

Sure, she’s a fit girl. Naturally stunning. A sharp personality, cheeky mouth. But soft and kind. Gentle with an infectious laugh.

Anyone would be lucky to have her.

I don’t want anyone to have her. I want her. I need her.

But what if she doesn’t want me back? I couldn’t handle that.

Audrey stops me in the elevator before we get back to my flat. “Look. If you don’t think Mom is convinced, toss up a social media post. Go FBO or whatever the kids are doing these days.” She spins out in front of me. “But if it’s Chloe you are trying to convince, don’t do it for someone else. Do it because you want to.”

“Remind me why I ask for your advice.”

“Because I’m the best sister.” She sticks her tongue out at me.

33

CHLOE

I’m laying in bed, doom scrolling. A notification pops up on my screen.

@callumsullivan has tagged you in a photo.

The notification opens to a photo of us.

Unrecognizable. I’ve never seen this photo. I don’t remember him taking it.

My lips are painted red and pursed together in a scowl-frown. Eyes covered with sunglasses, but the lenses still show me mid-eye roll.

And he’s staring at me as if I’m a painting in the Louvre.

The caption:My girl.

34

CALLUM

“Are you sure you’re okay watching Riley?” Chloe asks me over the phone for the third time.

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