Page 100 of Rewrite the Rules

“Yeah?”

“What if I lay it all on the line and he doesn’t want the same thing?”

“In that case, I know a lot of Hollywood actors and I will introduce you to all of them so your guy can eat his heart out.”

I have about ten different snarky comments to respond with, but instead, I just smile and mouth a heartfelt ‘thank you’ at Chase.

I grab my phone and finally respond to Joel, deciding which of all the things I’ve been holding back, I should start with.

Me:Joel, I can’t be your friend like this anymore.

Joel:Is there someone else?

Me:No, just you.

Joel:And you want more don’t you? An official relationship?

Deep breath. Here we go.

Me:Yes.

I know he saw my message. I’ve told him a hundred times he needs to take off his damn read receipts—they’re cruel.

It takes about twenty minutes for me to realize our conversation is over. His lack of reply says it all. But it’s fine—

Things have to change, one way or the other.

I want more.

No, Ineedmore.

And Joel isn’t responding.

thirty-four

Joel

“Want one?” Cody asks, holding out a beer bottle as he takes a seat at my kitchen island.

“It’s ten in the morning—ah, fuck it. Why not?” I take the open beer from his hand and examine the label before taking a long swig. It’s Adler’s favorite. “Coors, huh?”

“Addie-cakes converted me.” Cody hoists himself up from the bar stool and fetches another. He twists off the top and flicks it across my kitchen island. He thoroughly enjoys the benefit of a daily housekeeping team. He barely wipes his own ass anymore. “Are you seeing her tonight?”

“What do you mean?”

“The girls are headed back from Estes Park today. Shouldn’t you know that? I figured you horn dogs would be counting down the minutes until she’s back.” Cody slumps into his seat, chugging his beer so fast that he immediately pops back out to fetch another.

“Are they on the road yet?” I ask.

“I’m not sure. Some of them are—they took two cars. Their friend Noa had to pick up her son early. I’m not sure which car Addie is in. Why don’t youknow all this?”

“Why do you?” I snap in irritation.

“Quinn.”

Oh, for fuck’s sake.“Cody, quit messing around with Adler’s friends. I’m in enough shit with her as it is, I don’t need you complicating things even more.”

“Whoa, whoa, brochacho. I’m notmessing aroundwith Quinn. My intentions are pure for once. But what the hell has your panties in a bunch? What shit are you in with Addie?”

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