Page 58 of More Than Chemical
“No.” She shrugged. “But I probably should.”
I nodded. I really hoped she would.
The three of us made it to O’Sullivan’s. Inside the tent, there was a music stage and long tables with benches set up. I almost turned around and went back outside. I was more nervous than I’d been the night I slept in Dallas’s room. I think it was the four days that had elapsed since we’d last spoken. Four days was a long time.
Priya eyed me, as if she could sense that I wanted to get the hell out of there. “We’ll stay with you. For as long as you want us to.”
After Priya looked through the tent for Dallas and decided he wasn’t there yet, we got some cocoa and sat at a table—Emma and Priya across from me. Propane heat lamps dotted the interior, but I was still cold. I kept my jacket, hat, and mittens on.
I took a sip of the hot liquid. When it reached my frozen stomach, it churned like milk being made into a brick of ice cream.
Emma wiped her fingers on a napkin. “So, can one of you explain to me how it went from Dallas is a complete jerk to let’s-skip-the-rest-of-the-races-and-make-sure-Ade-meets-up-with-him?”
Priya rocked in her seat. “Since last weekend, when Ade told me that she’s the girl in the hoodie.”
“What?” Emma’s mouth dropped open.
Both of their gazes fell on me.
I glared at Priya. “Youpromised.”
She shrugged. “It’s better if Emma knows. Otherwise, she won’t understand.”
I sighed and folded my arms on the table.
“Get out of here.” Emma’s voice seemed louder than it had before. “You slept with him?”
“No, nothing like that.”
“But you were seen leaving his room in the morning.”
“I know.”
Emma’s shoulders drooped. “I can’t believe it’s been almost a week and you didn’t tell me until now.”
My mouth pursed. I hadn’t told her because she hadn’t been able to keep her mouth shut of late. But I probably should have. She was my friend. A friend I didn’t want to lose.
I took off my hat and mittens and unzipped my jacket halfway. I was getting a bit warmer. “Well, here’s something I haven’t told either of you.”
“What?” they chimed in together.
“I’ve decided he’s the one. He meets my criteria. He’s going to cure my insomnia.”
“That’s awesome, Ade.” Priya put up her hand, and I gave her a high five. “I’m so happy for you.”
Emma, on the other hand, knitted her brows. “How do you know he’s the one?”
Things got quiet around the table, and I gave Emma a hard stare. “Because I do.”
“Because you totally dig him, don’t you?” Priya’s eyes sparkled.
My stomach wouldn’t stop rolling. “Yes, but I’ll admit I’m nervous too.”
Petrified really. Our impromptu sex could happen at any time—it could happen tonight—and what if it wasn’t perfect enough?
Emma started picking at threads on the sleeve of her jacket. “Well, if either of you want my opinion, I’m still not totally convinced.”
“I am.” Priya was beaming.
