Page 20 of Rhys: and the girl who was always his

“Talking,” Ella repeats, drawing out the word like it’s some kind of joke. She leans back, folding her arms with a knowing grin. “Is that what the kids are calling it these days?”

Ally nudges me under the table, a silent plea for backup. But I’m too busy watching the colour rise in her cheeks, that same mix of boldness and hesitation that drove me crazy enough to drag her out of here in the first place.

Yasmin shakes her head, her expression more sympathetic. “Whatever it was, you guys looked intense. Are you okay?”

Ally hesitates, and for a moment, I think she’s going to crumble under the weight of their questions. But then she squares her shoulders, drawing in a breath like she’s gearing up for a fight.

“We’re okay,” she insists, a little too firmly, like she’s trying to convince herself. Her eyes flick to mine, that stubborn fire still burning bright. “Seriously, we are.”

Ella exchanges a look with Yasmin, but whatever silent conversation they’re having, they don’t push any further.

Yet.

I let the silence settle in, feeling the tension start to ease now that they’ve decided not to interrogate us into oblivion. But it’s not entirely gone. I know these girls well enough to realise that they’re just biding their time, waiting for the right moment to press for more.

The only question is how long we’ll be able to play it cool before everything comes out.

Ally shifts next to me, the warmth of her thigh brushing against mine. I see the way she glances at Ella and Yasmin, trying to gauge how much they’ve figured out already.

My phone vibrates with a text message in our group chat.

Ella

It’s safe to be at home now. It seems Rhys and Ally have sorted out their crap.

Arden

Thank God for that. Where are you?

Ally sees the messages as well. I lean in, my voice low enough that only she can hear. “You don’t have to worry,” I say. “I’m not going to let this blow up in our faces.”

Her eyes meet mine, and for a second, there’s something like relief in them. But then she looks away, staring at the table like it holds all the answers she can’t quite find.

I didn’t realise how obvious this was to everyone around us. I knew Ally was avoiding me, but I didn’t think our friends had seen it too.

Another message comes through, and I glare at Ella as I read it.

Ella

Grumpy’s. We’re about to order margaritas.

Ella and margs mean one thing.

Tonight’s about to get loud.

I reach for the jug of beer and pour myself a drink, trying to focus on anything but the heaviness I feel. On anything but the feel of Ally’s lips on mine, the way she pulled away like she was afraid of what it meant.

This is harder than I thought it would be. Having her so close without being able to be with her the way I want. But I have to believe it’s worth it. That we’re worth it.

I hand her a glass, watching as she takes it with a small, grateful smile.

And then we just sit there, trying to act normal while the rest of the night spins around us, pretending everything’s the same, even though we both know it’s not.

Until finally, Ally releases a shaky breath, like she can’t stand the pressure of it all. She lowers her voice so only I can hear. “This... this isn’t going to be easy, is it?”

I take a long sip from my drink, the burn of it grounding me as I meet her gaze. “No,” I admit, feeling the truth of it sink in. “But it’ll be worth it.”

CHAPTERNINE

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