Page 96 of Hooked On Him
“Oh, don’t act like you didn’t know.” I give him a blank look.
“Okay, I had an idea.” He lets his surprised face fall into a knowing grin. “He didn’t outright say anything, but I saw the listing. That man.” Cole throws his head back and laughs. “He’s unhinged when it comes to you.”
“I didn’t know that until now. But fuck, it’s so damn hot.” I sigh dreamily.
“Well, I’m happy for you. If anyone deserves to find someone amazing, it’s you. I hope I’m just as lucky as you someday.”
My brows furrow. “What about you and Gage?”
“About that.” Cole’s whole face falls. “We broke up.”
“What? I’m so sorry.”
“I’m not.” Cole sighs heavily. “It’s been a long time coming. I never knew if we were on or off. He was never happy. Always moody. I never felt like I was enough, you know? And then there’s the fact he cheated on me.”
“I’m sorry, what!?” I say a little too loudly.
“Would you keep your voice down?” Cole hisses.
“Sorry. But what the hell!? He cheated on you? When? How come you didn’t tell me?”
“I found out this weekend. I’m still processing it. I’ll tell you everything later, but right now I just want to forget, okay?”
My heart breaks for my best friend. “He can go fuck himself.” I huff. “Jackass never deserved you.”
“And Brogan never deserved you. But you ended up with your perfect man. I’m just hoping I get the same chance.”
“You will,” I promise. “You're a good guy, Cole. Funny, smart, talented. Any guy would be lucky to have you. Just not that one. He sucks.”
“I love you, you know that, right?” Cole grins.
“Sorry, I’m a taken man.”
“Oh fuck off.” Cole laughs, pulling me in and messing up my hair.
“Okay, okay, I love you too!”
We spend a little while just sitting and talking. I’ve missed my best friend. Since moving out, we’ve hardly seen one another, and I feel bad.
Now with exams and everything, we make plans to study together. He’s staying in St. John’s after graduating, so I’ll have my best friend nearby. We’ll have the whole summer together, and I can’t wait. Now with Austin in my life, I can’t wait for all the fun things we’re going to get up to. All the memories we’re going to make.
“I’m going to meet up with the guys for some drinks, you gonna come? This time, as part of the group and not working,” he chuckles.
“You know what, yeah, I think that would be fun. I know Austin would want to. He should be home soon. I’ll go meet him and get ready.”
“Where is he?”
“He went to talk to Charlie to come clean about everything.” I give him a guilty look. “It sucked keeping it from him, but I know Austin felt worse.”
Cole’s face pales at the mention of my brother. “You okay?” I ask.
“Yeah. For sure.” He clears his throat. Okay then. “Is Charlie gonna be there tonight?"
“Ah, I don’t know? You’re the one who invited me. But isn’t he always with you guys? So why wouldn’t he? Unless he’s out with Claire.”
“I should get going. Gotta do a few things. See you tonight,” he says, grabbing his things and shoving them in his backpack before taking off
“Okay. Bye.” That was weird. I’ll have to check in with him later. Right now, I’m gonna go home and see how things went with Charlie.
