Page 92 of The Hookup Situation
“She’s my girlfriend,” Nick says so casually that I almost believe it myself.
“We’re just friends,” I blurt, the purple punch making me too honest. I don’t want to lie to his mother under these circumstances.
“Yeah?” Nick’s voice carries something I can’t identify.
The room seems to pause. Asher clears his throat dramatically, like he overheard our entire conversation.
“Attention, everyone! Quick vote!” He’s grinning mischievously. “Who here thinks Julie is Nick’s girlfriend?”
I watch as every single hand goes up. Autumn, Blaire, Zane, Dyson, Asher, Patterson from across the room, and even people I haven’t officially met cast a vote.
“Great! Who thinks they’re just friends?”
My hand rises alone in a sea of smiles.
“Thanks for participating.” Asher smirks.
I open my mouth but can’t find words.
“Well, whatever you are, congratulations.” Nick’s mom smiles, and I immediately relax. “Autumn raves about your chocolate croissants. Says they’re the best in Colorado.”
“She’s too kind,” I manage. My voice is much steadier than I feel. “The secret’s in my great-great-grandma’s dough recipe.”
“We’re staying at our cabin through the holidays. You two should come to dinner soon.”
“You’re not going back to New York?” Nick sounds shocked.
“Honey, I like the city as much as you do,” she says with the perfect amount of sarcasm.
Zane’s dad calls her over, and she gives Nick a hug. “Please don’t be a stranger.”
“Okay,” he tells her with a smile. “I won’t.”
After his parents leave, the party continues, but I feel like the ground shifted while I wasn’t paying attention. Everyone seessomething that I keep denying. Or maybe they know what I’m too afraid to admit.
Before I can speak, Blaire appears, definitely tipsy now. “There you are! Jules, we’re doing shots!”
“I think I’ve had enough purple punch,” I tell her with a laugh, not wanting to take a trip to Wastedville tonight.
“Lightweight,” she teases, then looks between us. “Oh, am I interrupting something?”
“No,” I say, but Nick’s hand slowly finds mine, and the slightest touch from him causes goose bumps to trail up my arm.
“Actually,” he says, levelheaded, “I think we’re going to head out.”
“Already?” Autumn appears, carrying empty cake plates. “We’ve barely seen you.”
“Because you’re popular,” Nick points out.
And I’m happy for the escape, especially with him.
Nick tells Zane, Patterson, and his brothers goodbye.
I follow Autumn to the sink, where she sets down the plates.
She turns to me and gives me a tight hug. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Stop,” I whisper, but I can’t stop grinning.
