Page 118 of We Can't Be Friends

She scoffs.

I know Chloe isn’t trying to lay it on thick, but wow, if this isn’t going to be the weirdest brunch of my life.

We order. I love an eggs benedict. Dad orders the same and it feels like the first sip of warm cuppa. Audrey a salmon omelet with capers. Mom yogurt with fresh berries.

“I’ll do the same. Thanks.” She closes the menu, dropping it on the table all cheekily.

Chloe leans back into my shoulder. One hand on her waist, the other lazily tracing her tattoos.

The waiter returns with a chair while we are laughing at Audrey retelling a story about one of her classmates. It’s quite funny, everyone laughs, including Mom. Chloe’s whole body shifts with amusement, an airy and alluring appearance. It’s bewitching and intoxicating.

Dad switches chairs, giving Chloe the seat next to me. She attempts to move, but my hands find her waist stopping her.

“Give me a minute,” I say quietly against her ear. My voice grappled with anguish and fervor.

Chloe turns her head, covering her face with a hand to give us a semblance of privacy. “Huh?”

“Give me a minute before you get up or toss me that napkin.” She wiggles, reaching for the napkin. “Never mind.” I swallow. “Don’t. Move.”

“Should we go to the bathroom? Whisk off back to our place?” Chloe teases.

“Dais,” I whimper.

“Would sell this charade, would it not?”

“Let’s make this clear. Me fucking you isn’t going to be for a charade. It isn’t for show or anyone else. It will be for us and only us.”

That shuts her up.

Discreetly, Chloe shifts into the seat next to me while I simultaneously scoot further into the table. I pass her beverages to her and we resume conversing with my family.

Mom dabs her lips with a napkin. “Tell me. How did you two meet? Callum hasn’t shared much about yourrelationship.”

I freeze. Cheeks heating with the memory of Chloe.

“We—uh—”

“Mutual friends,” Chloe jumps in. “Emerson, who is dating Liam, is my best friend. We met through them.” How stupid am I? I about blurted to my family that she was naked and I was trying to take a leak. “Took him a few tries asking me out before I said yes.” Chloe places her hand on my cheek. “Couldn’t be happier, though.”

“I see.” Sienna takes another bite. “And your living arrangements.”

“He’s incredibly generous, isn’t he? Cal wouldn’t let me stay anywhere else while my apartment is getting fixed.”

“And when will that be?”

“Mid-spring. I live in an older building in the West Loop.”

Lived.I want to correct Chloe, but I don’t.

They pepper her with questions—about her, about us. Chloe answers without skipping a beat.

She’s left handed. Her right hand keeps dipping beneath the table, playing with mine or resting on my knee which I know is for show. I should really check her CV, make sure she hasn’t done this before. I do the same, having a hard time keeping my attention off her. . .which isn’t for show. Yeah?

We finish eating. Dad pays. Chloe excuses herself to the bathroom.

When she returns, Dad calls her to walk with him. Maybe I should be nervous about what he’s going to say, but I’m not.

I hold the door open for my sister and mom.

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