Page 12 of Cross My Heart

“I am.” Scarlett smirks. “Thomas already asked me to homecoming.”

My stomach drops. “Nice,” is all I say. “I’m going with Ashley,” I lie, and Scarlett grins.

“Cute little Ty.” She sighs. “Are you gonna hit it?”

“Gross, Scarlett.” I laugh. “Never say those words again.”

“What?” She grins. “Sex is normal.”

“You’re a virgin,” Noah points out.

“I’m saving myself for the right guy,” Scarlett replies. “My dream guy.”

“And who is that?” I ask, suddenly curious.

“I have very specific requirements.” She holds up her hand and begins to tick off her fingers. “Tall, handsome, blue eyes, dark hair.”

My brows raise. “You have a type?” Noah narrows his eyes at her. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re pining after Noah.”

“He’s gay as fuck, Tyler,” she cackles. “Besides, have you met him? He’s annoying as hell. No way!”

“Hey!” Noah throws a pillow at her. “I’ll have you know I have plenty of guys chasing after me.”

“Sure you do.” She grins.

“Are we drinking, or what?” I ask them, and Noah produces the vodka bottle from behind a pillow. He uncaps it and takes a long gulp of the clear liquid, coughing. “Here, I’ll teach you how to drink it properly.”

Noah rolls his eyes but hands over the bottle.

Taking a long swig, I close my eyes and wince at the burn as it goes down my esophagus. I grin triumphantly at the fact that I didn’t cough and sputter like he did, and he groans. But I just hand over the bottle to Scar.

“Do I have to?” She groans. “I’m going to throw it up.”

“You’re so much more fun when you drink,” I tell her, and she shakes her head.

“I’m plenty of fun when I’m sober, asshole.” But she still takes a drink.

Noah and I both grin when she turns red, and she burps loudly.

“What a lady,” Noah laughs.

“I told you she was a heathen.” I laugh too.

“Fuck both of you.”

But she’s joining us in laughter, and my chest feels tight. Never in a million years did I think I’d move here and have two best friends, but here we are.

And I couldn’t be more grateful.

Chapter 7

TYLER

17 YEARS OLD

It’s movie night, and Scar and Noah usually don’t allow anyone else to join. Tonight is different though—because I’ve gotten permission from Scarlett to bring Ashley, my girlfriend. It’s her house after all. Noah is sitting on the corner of the couch, glaring at the television like it offended him.

I invited Ashley to homecoming after all, and we really hit it off. We started dating soon after. It kind of just happened, but I have no regrets. I was originally going to ask Scarlett, but I know how that would make Noah feel, so I decided against it.

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