Page 12 of The Odds of Happily Ever After
You didn’t sound like yourself yesterday.
Ignore Papa. He’s pissy because he lost his favorite child to an NBA player.
Luna
Umm YOU’RE his favorite child!
Lonzo
He just wants a lawyer in the fam.
Luna
Which makes you his fave
Lonzo
Lucky me
Luna
Haha! Don’t worry about me, I’m all good!
“You look like hell.”
“Chloe!” Kriz swatted her arm.
I winced at the criticism. It would have sounded bad coming from anyone, but when it came from a girl who resembled a movie star with her pin-straight platinum blonde hair, it hit even worse.
“I’m just saying sleep might help.” Chloe’s green eyes flicked from my face down to my torso. “And exercise.”
“Jesus, Chlo!” Kriz said.
I shifted in my seat and fought the urge to tug at my dress. It did feel tighter, though I’d tricked myself into believing the fabric shrank in the wash.
Chloe shrugged. “What? Weren’t you the one who told me how exercise is good for your health?”
“That’s not the point.”
“It’s okay, Kriz,” I told her, not wanting them to argue. “I get where Chloe’s coming from, and I totally agree. I’ve been stress eating and could use some workouts.” Cooking wasn’t enjoyable when I was only doing it for myself, so I often ended up eating junk food instead.
Kriz gave me a concerned look. “Are you okay? Did anything happen?”
“I’m good. Just adjusting to living alone.” I exhausted myself with studying, working, and hanging out with my friends, but when I turned the lights off at the end of the day, the silence still blared in my ears.
“Do you want company? You could stay over at my place.” Kriz jerked up, her face bright. “I know! Let’s have a sleepover.”
Chloe piped up. “We can do it at my house so we have space to work out.” Suddenly, her eyes widened. “Professor Hottie alert,” she whispered, nodding to her right.
Despite myself, I followed her gaze to the cafeteria entrance, where Gabe was causing a minor stir with his presence. He rarely popped up here—probably to avoid unnecessary interactions with students. Or people in general.
Gabe wasn’t handsome by conventional standards. His nose was larger in proportion to his other features, and the frown lines on his forehead aged him beyond his twenty-eight years. But he had an air about him that made him compelling, especially when he leveled those blue-gray eyes at you.
“The way that man fills out his suits,” Chloe murmured.
You’ve looked long enough, my dignity scolded me. My heart raced even as I reminded myself that it was a stupid reaction.
Gabe scanned the room, and I moved my head so fast I got dizzy. But no way was I going to get caught staring at him. He didn’t need more fodder against me.
