Page 62 of Between Hate and Desire

“It means Mason and I knew you had feelings for her before Brandon passed. Whether or not you still do, I’m not sure, but now that you two are getting closer, I’m just reminding you not to act on those feelings.”

Liam, the relationship wizard.Pfft.

I want to ask him how the hell they knew when I never told a damn soul other than Hayden. Didn’t make it obvious as far as I knew, considering I was an asshole every possible chance I got. Doesn’t matter that he’s right because I’m not going to confirm anything.

“Just like you’re not acting on your feelings for Maddie? What’s up with that?” I turn the tables, not wanting to talk about this anymore.

He scoffs, then laughs. “Don’t change the subject.”

“Then stop talking about it.”

“Okay, then let’s talk about how you haven’t hooked up with a girl in two months.” He gives me a look that dares me to prove him wrong.

“Are we gonna paint each other’s nails too? Or maybe I can braid your hair while you text scandalous crotch shots?” I quip, turning toward the bar, wondering where the girls are, when I notice a guy standing next to Lennon. He’s too fucking close, and she looks uncomfortable as hell. I wait to see if she or Sophie will tell the guy off or not.

“You still dating that Jenna chick?” he asks.

“We were never dating. And no.”

“Hmm.” He grins, and I’m ready to smack it off his face.

“Fuck off.”

Mason and Maddie finally come back at the same time as Sophie and Lennon return with drinks.

“Which one’s mine?” Maddie asks.

“This one. We decided to put a little something in there for you.” Sophie hands her a glass.

“What, really?” Maddie takes it and sips it. Her eyes widen, and she lights up. “This is delicious!”

Lennon snorts, holding back laughter. She stands next to me as she continues handing out beers.

When she gives me mine, I lean in and whisper, “What’d you girls do?”

“Nothing.” She struggles to contain her smile.

I tilt my head, grinning. “Liar.”

Shrugging, Lennon takes a sip of her drink. “She thinks we gave her alcohol.”

“And did you?”

“Not unless grenadine is alcoholic.” Lennon breaks out into a smile. “It was Sophie’s idea.”

I shake my head, smiling at how she’s finally letting loose. I know it’s only temporary, but that’s how grieving typically works—with constant ups and downs. But for now, I’m going to soak in these moments.

“Did you forget me?” Mason asks with a pout.

Lennon looks around the table and notices two beers in front of Liam.

“Oh, were one of these for you?” He smirks, taking a swig from both bottles. “My bad.”

“You fucker,” Mason says.

“Liam!” Lennon laughs. “You’re buying the next round now. Hold on, Mason. I’ll grab another one.”

I give Liam a look. He’s being a next level asshole tonight.

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