Page 35 of We Are the Stars

We’re also not speaking.

I’m not ignoring him because I’m upset with him; I simply don’t know how to approach any of it. I’m pure? Why? Because I haven’t been labeled as a murderer? And how does that make him polluted? He’s innocent. There’s no blood on his hands.

I wish he’d see that too.

My pocket vibrates and I fish my phone out, thankful Bryan doesn’t care if we text at work.

Carsen:You’re mad.

I whip my head his way, finding him nonchalantly wiping down the ball return on lane seven, as if he didn’t just send a text instead of approaching me himself.

Me:I’m not. More like confused.

Me:You are not polluted. Why do you think that?

I watch as he sets down the rag, reads my message, and glances up at me. His brows pinch together as his fingers hover over the keyboard.

“Water in the ball, kids!” Cal hollers, letting us know the ball he’s using is weak.

Carsen heads his way as my phone goes off again.

Jase:Still pissed @ me?

Me:Yes.

Jase:Y?

Me:Because you’re a jackass.

Jase:Y?? Cuz I don’t like hanging w criminals? Wtf, E! U need to call me. Gotta work this out. It’s not u.

Me:Funny. I could say the exact same thing to you. Since when do you start judging people you don’t know based off rumors and no evidence? That’s not YOU, Jase. What’s up lately? It’s like you’re not even you.

Jase:WTF. Nthg wrong w me. Ur the one being crazy here, E. Call. We need 2 talk.

Me:Sorry. Busy hanging with criminals. Can’t talk now.

As expected, my phone starts ringing. I don’t hesitate to hit ignore. I’m not dealing with Jase’s shit right now. I have enough going on with Carsen, and I don’t need to add in the ass chewing I know Jase wants to give me. Scratch that—I don’tdeserveit. He doesn’t run my life and he won’t be the one making decisions about it. Screw him.

My phone pulsates and I roll my eyes, prepared to hit ignore again, but I see it’s not him at all.

Carsen:Everything okay?

Me:Meaning?

Carsen:You’re scowling. That’s my move.

My lips twitch at his unexpected teasing.

Me:Just some jackass texting me.

Me:You didn’t answer my question.

Carsen:I don’t know how to answer it. It’s just how I feel.

Me:We’re sharing feelings now? Oh good. My turn…

Carsen:Cute. I… I can’t explain it, or at least not very well.

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