Page 6 of Exes That Puck
“What?” I ask.
“I saw how close you two were, Kara. You kissed him, didn’t you?”
Heat creeps up my neck. “It just… happened.”
Payton groans into her hands. “You’re supposed to be done with him. Not letting him suck you back in.”
“I know.” I grab my laundry basket just to escape. “It was a mistake. That’s all.”
She watches me too long, like she’s trying to read through me, then finally sighs. “Promise me you’re not going back.”
I nod, even though my stomach twists at the lie.
I escape the dorm to start laundry. While the laundry churns, I scroll through my phone. Zeke’s texts glare back at me.
Zeke:You make it home okay?
Zeke:You okay?
I don’t answer. My thumb hovers, itching to type something, but I look at my other notifications. Lola’s name pops up next.
Lola:Hey. Sorry about last night. The kiss. I thought it would be funny.
Lola:Did it work?
For a second I just stare at it. Out of all my friends, she’s the only one who ever sat on the edge of my bed and listened when I said I loved him anyway. When Payton rolled her eyes, Tori said toxic and Emma said run, Lola said,”You two are intense, not broken. Work it out or cut it clean, but don’t halfway bleed.”She brought me coffee the morning after our worst fight and told me to text himonly if I meant it.She’s never clapped when I said it’s over.
My pulse kicks. I shouldn’t reply, but my fingers move.
Me:You crossed a line.
Me:But it worked. I kissed him outside.
Lola:No way. Okay. I’m sorry for the line.
Lola:Everyone else hates him for you, but I know how much hemeans to you. I know you love him.
Lola:I figured if he saw someone touch you, he’d either step up or leave you alone. Did he step up?
I bite my lip.
Me:He kissed me first.
Me:I kissed him back.
Lola:Did you guys talk? Are you getting back together?
Lola:I want you to be happy.
I stare at that. Happy. The word knots my chest.
Me:Thanks for checking on me. And apology accepted.
Me:We didn’t talk, but I’m not getting back with him. He blew his last chance.
Lola:Okay. I’m on your side.
I drop the phone on the washer and stare at the wall. She’s the only one who believes in us. The only one who didn’t cheer when I said I was done. I can’t decide if that makes her a good friend or a bad one.
