Page 13 of The Hookup Situation
She grabs a beer from the fridge, pops it open, and takes a sip. “For how long this time? Please say longer than three days because that was very annoying.”
“Six weeks. I can’t return to the city until after November first. Per my asshole little brother.”
“Hmm.” She hops up on the counter. “You look tired.”
I wasn’t expecting that. “I’m exhausted by everything.”
Autumn studies me, then seems to make a decision. “Look, I’m going to be straight with you.”
My brows lift, and I glance at Zane, who chugs his beer. “Okay …”
“Jules is my person. My bestie since we were kids. My chosensister in every way that matters.” She swallows hard. “And you, Nick Banks, have a very bad reputation. I googled you.”
“Happy to know you’ve done your research,” I offer, smirking.
She sets down her beer and meets my eyes. “The universe is invested in the two of you because you keep popping up at the right time.”
Zane groans. “Autumn, don’t start with the universe stuff.”
“I’m just saying.” She turns to me. “Maybe you and Julie can help each other.”
“Really? How?” I take two gulps of my beer.
“Well, for starters, she needs a fake boyfriend to slide in when her shitty ex tries to win her back.”
Zane glares at her. “Craig is back?”
“I assume Craig is the ex?” I ask.
“Yes,” they both say, annoyingly, at the same time.
“Tell me about him,” I say.
Autumn groans. “He’s Julie’s really shitty, sorry excuse of an ex. She has a hard time resisting him, and he just uses her. Promises her the world, gets what he wants, then leaves again. It’s a toxic cycle that has to stop. I do not want her in his arms this fall.”
I take several gulps of my beer. “How can I help?”
“Be aware.” She hops off the counter. “Craig will try to win her back. Julie needs someone who will keep her away from that son of a bitch.” Autumn looks annoyed. “He always treated her like she was too much and not enough. That’s Craig Downer. He’s his namesake.” Her jaw tightens. “I want her to forget he exists.”
“Autumn, I can’t commit to anything,” I say.
“My bestie doesn’t need a commitment.” She sighs. “She needs a distraction.”
Zane stands and pulls some chopped watermelon from the fridge. “He asked her to dinner tonight.”
Autumn’s eyes widen. “Yes!”
“It’s a friendly dinner. That’s it. I owe her an apology for being a dickhead and not responding to her texts.”
“That’s a start.” She grabs some fruit. “Want a piece of advice?”
“I bet you’re going to give it to me anyway.”
She grins and heads toward the stairs. “You’re right. You have six weeks, Nick. Make them count. The universe doesn’t give fourth chances.”
Seconds later, she disappears, leaving me with Zane.
“Is she trying to hook me up with her best friend?” I ask, surprised.
