Page 95 of The Odds of Happily Ever After
“I’m not married—it’s a long story. I’ll tell you all about my partner next time.”
Partner. I didn’t know that either. “Alright.”
“I’ll send you my notes after we hang up, then you can text or call me back if you have questions. My flight’s not until one forty-five.”
“Got it. Take care, Max. Hope your mother-in-law’s okay.”
“Thanks, Gabe. I owe you a big one.”
He hung up before I could assure him otherwise, and a few seconds later, my phone buzzed with an email from him. I saved my document and closed it before opening my email on my laptop. Scanning the body of Max’s message confirmed that itwasa lecture I could give without issue. I read it more thoroughly, only to halt at a single word.
Fashion.
I checked the top of the email and cursed. Of all the classes I had to sub for, it had to be Fashion Entrepreneurship. I didn’t even need to ask Luna about whether she’d be in the class—she’d already told me how excited she was for it.
Here I thought I’d escaped the possibility of being assigned to Luna’s classes after she finished her sophomore year. There was irony in how I’d traded classes with Max last year only to have to step in for him now.
At least it was only one session.
My eyes fell to my phone. Should I warn Luna? What would I say—I’m teaching your class today, so can you pretend you don’t know me?I could already imagine how she’d react to that.
No. I would treat this as just another assignment because at the end of the day, that’s what this was. Work. Luna knew my stance on professionalism. She’d understand.
In the meantime, I’d prepare for this session like I would any other. Only this time, I’d make sure my poker face was out in full play.
luna
A pointy chindug into the fleshy part of my shoulder, pulling my attention off the text I’d been reading from Kai. “Chloe!” I rubbed at the aching spot.
Chloe leaned away from me and stared straight ahead. “That guy is so gone over you, it’s sad.”
“You’re still on that?”
“It’s still true, and you’re still in denial.”
“You’re delusional.” Kai had only asked when we’d do another study session. There was nothinggoneabout that.
“It’s only delusional if I’m wrong, and I’m betting that guy wants out of the friend zone so bad his balls are blue.” She spoke in her usual volume, uncaring that we were walking in the hallway with other students close enough to overhear.
My skin grew hot. “Chloe.”
“Look, Kai’s not my type, but who knows? He might give good dick,” she continued despite my groan.
“Why are we friends again?” I muttered, searching for Kriz in the crowd. What was taking her so long? We had a class together in less than ten minutes.
“One, Kriz didn’t really give us a choice, and two, because you are in dire need of someone to give it to you straight. You’re welcome, by the way.” Chloe sounded unfazed, but then again, things rarely ruffled her. “You should give Kai a chance. Have you been with anyone at all since Theo?”
How shocked would she be if I told her about Gabe? Nothing had happened between us, but it would definitely surprise her.
Chloe stopped and pulled me still. “Hold on.Areyou dating anyone?”
“Of course not.” At least I didn’t need to lie. She’d probably catch on to me and call me out in front of everyone if I had.
Her eyes narrowed like she wasn’t convinced. “Are you hooking up with someone on the down low?”
“No! I told you, I’m focusing on school.” I stepped forward, but she yanked me back.
“Okay, that tells me you’ve never had good D. Trust me when I say?—”
