Page 47 of Play It Off

“People gravitate toward you because you’re so open and welcoming.”

“I am?” I frown at her. “I thought the only reason people are drawn to me is because of who my brother is.”

Destiny makes another face. More like a grimace. “Those people are around for sure, but you can stand on your own two feet. You just never allow yourself to.”

Her words feel like a revelation, and I gape at her for a moment before snapping my lips shut and averting my gaze so I can stare at a blank wall. I don’t know if I believe her, just like I’m sure she’s having a rough time believing me too. But she might be telling the truth.

I just can’t see it.

“Like that dude you went to high school with. The one who keeps texting you,” Destiny points out.

I might’ve told Destiny about Ryland and how he’s been texting me. And while I think he’s nice and he seems really into me, I don’t know. He’s not Gavin. And now that I’ve had sex with Gavin multiple times? How can I try to date Ryland? That’s not cool. I shouldn’t use him.

Besides, Ryland is too short for me—or I’m too tall for him. And if that’s the only thing that I’m hung up on, then how superficial am I? He’s a nice guy. Smart and funny. I keep brushing him off, telling himI have to work when he tries to ask me to get together with him, which I do. I’m just ...

“You’re scared to go out with him, aren’t you?” Destiny plucks my fears right out of my head and voices them into existence. “And is this because you keep waiting around for stupid Gavin Maddox to get his head out of his ass and realize that you’re pretty much in love with him?”

I am full-blown gaping again, and this time, I don’t shut my mouth. I stare at her, hating how on point she is. Why am I like this? “How did you know?”

“We’re not the closest of roommates, but you’ve told me some things. Hinted at other things. And I go to the bars just like you do. I see the way you watch him. And sometimes, I notice the way he watches you.”

“He watches me?”

Destiny rolls her eyes. “Duh.”

I didn’t think anyone noticed. For so long I’ve felt invisible to everyone, but maybe I’m not.

“I’ll never forget catching him on top of you in our dorm room our freshman year.” Destiny actually shudders. “Ew, men.”

This time around I burst out laughing at what she says. “I completely agree. Ew, men for real.”

“You two were really going at it. He had his hands all over you.”

“Don’t remind me.” My tone turns melancholy, and I sigh. “I made a fool of myself that night.”

“Um, he was the one all over you, remember? I don’t think there was anyone making a fool of themselves. Just two people who were hot for each other, kissing on a bed until I rudely interrupted you.” She offers me a small smile. “Sorry I did that.”

She has never once apologized for that moment, not that I expected an apology. It was an accident, not something she did on purpose. “It’s okay. Really. You didn’t mean to.”

“Actually ...” Her voice drifts and she drops her head. “I saw you two leave together that night, and I suspected you took him to ourdorm room. I sort of went back to see if you were hooking up. Truly? I was a little worried about you and wanted to make sure you were okay. You were pretty drunk.”

“Destiny,” I breathe, shocked all over again. “You interrupted us on purpose?”

“I wasn’t trying to ruin your night, but I guess I sort of did.” She looks up, her gaze on mine. “I feel bad.”

I decide to be honest. “I wasn’t that drunk. You should feel bad. But ... I appreciate you watching out for me.”

“I was shittier back then. Lizzie makes me nicer, huh.”

“Definitely,” I retort, though I’m smiling because how can I fault her for making sure I was okay?

Destiny jumps to her feet, tugging on the hem of her T-shirt. “I’m going over to Lizzie’s right now and apologizing to her.”

“That sounds like a good idea.”

“And I’m sorry again for what I did. I hope I didn’t ruin whatever chance you might’ve had with Gavin, not that he deserves you. If he can’t see your worth, then why are you wasting your time on that guy? Seriously, Sienna.”

And with that, Destiny marches out of our apartment, shutting the door gently behind her.

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