Page 109 of Crave Thy Neighbor

I slam my eyes closed, taking a steadying breath, then paste on a beaming smile.

I turn to Sam. “Hey, shithead. What’s up?”

“Not much. I finally beat that big boss we couldn’t get past.”

“Nice. Sad I couldn’t be there to help.”

I apologized to him the night I yelled, and luckily he forgave me. I’ve grown fond of him over the last few months, and Maya leaving would have hurt even more if I’d known Sam left mad at me too.

“Yeah. Me too. You missed my birthday party this weekend.” He shrugs, then slides his hands into his pockets, hanging his head. “But it’s cool. Mom said you had to work, so I get it. Just wish you could have come.”

Regret twists in my gut.

Fuck, I’m an asshole.

Seeing now how much I hurt him fucks me up in a way I wasn’t expecting, and my chest tightens with emotion.

I swallow it down, clearing my throat. “I’m sorry.”

Another shrug. “It’s okay.”

“Why, uh, why aren’t you in school?”

“Skip day.” He points to his mom, who is watching us with a sharp gaze. Our eyes collide, and I can’t breathe all over again. “Mom’s over there. I have to go to the bathroom.”

He squeezes past me, leaving me standing there like a fool while everyone stares at me.

“Go talk to her, man.” Jake gives me a gentle shove. “Apologize to her for whatever you did.”

I glare at him. “How do you know I did anything?”

“Man, I’ve been married for five years now. You think that relationship didn’t come with its struggles before we finally fixed our shit for good? I’ve been you. I know what you’re going through.” He juts out his chin toward Maya. “Just like I know you had better fix it soon because women like her don’t come around often.”

He doesn’t know how right he is.

I knew she was special the first moment I saw her. I didn’t get how much until later.

Now I fear I might be too late.

He gives me another prod, jostling me forward.

I straighten my shoulders, deciding to get it over with because at this point it would be more awkward if I didn’t.

I take slow, intentional steps toward her.

Her eyes track my every move, her throat working as I get closer.

I stop at the end of her table, and I swear for a moment I can hear how hard her heart is beating.

Or maybe that’s mine.

“Hey.”

Hey? HEY? God, could I be lamer?

She lifts one of her sculpted brows. “Hey.”

Her voice is icy, dripping with sarcasm.

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