Page 181 of We Can't Be Friends

Is anyone up?

Immediately, my phone buzzes, an invitation to a group FaceTime request pops up on my screen. The call opens to my platonic soul mate, Emerson.

“What’s wrong? Chloe, are you okay?” She’s throwing on clothes. Liam pulling out bags. “We can get on the plane in the next hour.”

“I’m okay, Emme,” I tell her, and she pauses.

“You SOS’d—”

“I need help picking out an outfit.”

She exhales, shoulders relax. “You scared me.”

“Who scared you?” Audrey asks as a square with her face appears on the screen.

“Probably Chloe. She can be quite scary,” Beatrix adds. “Sorry babe, intimidating.”

Audrey’s phone is propped up in front of her, blonde hair filling the screen. “Are you calling for the same reason my brother called?”

“Tell your brother to call me, Audrey! No one is telling me anything,” Liam says over Emerson’s shoulder.

“Call him yourself you big baby. I think Chloe and I have officially surpassed you and George as best mates,” Audrey jokes—sort of.

“Oh, piss off.” Liam huffs, storming out of their bedroom, mumbling to himself.

“You are my favorite!” Emerson calls to him, laughing.

“What are your options? Give us a fashion show.” Beatrix is rocking Sofia as she breastfeeds her.

I run through my options, putting them on and spinning so they can get the complete picture. Audrey and Emerson ooh and aww over each one. Beatrix’s face doesn’t show any sign of liking.

“You were uncomfortable in all those outfits,” Beatrix says, finally. “Why are you trying on outfits that aren’t you? It’s Cal.”

“I know. . . I just. . .”

“Haven’t you two been out before?” Audrey adds in.

“Yes, but. . .” Those were all fake or as friends. This is our first date. There’s a giddiness bubbling up in me, the same kind you get on your first day of school in elementary.

“You could wear a burlap sack and my brother would fall to his knees for you.”I could test that theory.

“Give me a closet tour,” Beatrix demands politely.

The girls help me pick out a better-suited outfit, helping me to not overthink the entire night. The leather mini skirt I wore when Audrey was here, tights that haveBite Mestitched into the ass, a lilac fitted sweater, an oversize leather bomber jacket, and platform combat boots that have dainty flowers on them. Beatrix picked out my accessories, making sure they paired with the bag Cal surprised me with for Valentine’s Day—he says it was to make up for the book. I laughed when I opened the bag and found another tabbed one for me.

Cal comes downstairs while I’m feeding Tucker.

“Hi, pretty girl.” His hand snakes around my waist, tugging me back into him. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of being in his arms, smelling him, or how my body comes alive when he kisses me. The way his accent tickles my ears and sends a shiver dancing down my spine. “You look beautiful.” He kisses my cheek and takes Tucker’s bowl from my hand, returning it to its spot on the raised feeder and replenishing his water.

“Not so bad yourself, Pretty Boy.”

“Ready to go?”

“No more surprises for the day, please.”

“None from me. Unless you have anything up those sleeves.”

“Only a game plan for how you can ruin my lipstick later,” I smirk. “Let's go,boyfriend.”

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