Page 35 of Can't Always Get What You Want

I cross my arms. “Maybe it’s because I havestandards.”

Poppy snorts. “How many times have you said that out loud?”

A lot.

Way too often.

I slide into a pair of sleek, black heels. “Leave me alone.” I roll my eyes. “We’refriends.”

Poppy raises a brow. “You don’t do guyfriends. Not the kind you think about for daysafter getting drinks with them. Not the kind you get dressed up for. Not the kind you?—”

I grab my phone off the dresser and wave it in front of the screen before grabbing my cell phone. “Oh, gee—look at the time! Gotta go!”

“Bye, Starshine.Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

How I regret telling her literally everything…

She winks at me.

I groan and hang up before she can say anything else—and as I step toward the door, my phone vibrates.

Luca: Running late. Don’t try to claim full custody while I’m not there.

I snort.

Nova: Wouldn’t dream of it, Ace.

I stare at the screen for a second too long, biting my lip.

Poppy’s voice echoes in my head.You don’t do friends like this.

I do not.

But I also haven’t had a solid relationship in a long, long time. Not one I would shed a tear for. Flings, yes. Friends with bennies? Yes. One-night stands? Of course.

The fact that Luca is forbidden? Does not help my nerves.

If anything, it makes them worse.

Because this isn’t about me. This isn’t just somerandom guyI could flirt with, kiss, have fun with, and never think twice about.

For one, I have to occasionally see him. Not to mention, the guy is literally plastered on a billboard on the freeway for a deodorant ad and I have to drive past him to go to the mall. He towers over the freeway like some Greek god of freshness and masculinity.

I check my phone again.

Luca: Almost there, Starshine. Try not to miss me too much.

I roll my eyes.

Nova: I was actually hoping you’d cancel.

Luca: Liar.

We’re meeting closer to my apartment—a space my brother bought for me with his first big NHL paycheck. I should be grateful. But it’s a constant reminder. No matter how much I try to be independent, Gio is always a step ahead, making sure Ineverhave to be.

I order a car instead of driving, fidgeting the entire way to the steakhouse.

Adjust my neckline.

---