Page 81 of The Confidant
“Which you will, since you guys are amazing,” I said, trying to figure out how to be in two places at once.
Even without any real advice fromThe Confidantyet, I knew that if I wanted to fix things with Hunter and be friends again, I needed to actually start acting like a friend.
“I already scheduled things for Xander to show me around the campus that morning,” I said, trying to figure out the problem aloud. “But maybe we can finish early enough that I can still make it.”
New Haven was only an hour away from the arena in Uncasville, so as long as I didn’t stay too late, I could probably make it.
But before I could say that out loud, Hunter asked, “Xander is giving you a tour of Yale?”
“Yeah…he is…” I tucked some hair behind my ear, trying to think of how to explain why I was looking at a college with the guy I’d taken to the Valentine’s Dance and not have him think it was more than it was.
“Have you been hanging out with Xander a lot then?” He looked like he was trying to play it cool, but from the way he clenched his jaw and his posture stiffened, it made me wonder if he felt the same about me spending extra time with Xander as I’d felt about seeing him with Addison last night.
Which was probably dumb because we both knew it was in our best interest for each of us to date other people.
But to avoid more weird feelings, I quickly said, “We haven’t really been hanging out.”
“But he’s showing you Yale?” Hunter narrowed his eyes like he thought I might be lying to cover up something.
I nodded. “I saw him at church on Sunday, and we chatted for a little while afterward.”Talked about you, actually.“And when he heard I was checking out Yale, he offered to show me around.”
“Okay,” he said, seeming like he was somewhat relieved.
“I think it's more of a favor to my dad than anything,” I added even though I probably shouldn’t.
I didn’t need to explain why I was hanging out with another guy.
Especially not when he was hanging out with Addison.
But there was another awkward pause, so I hurried to ask, “But what time is the game on Saturday? Maybe I can get my tour in the morning and then head to the arena afterward.”
28
SCARLETT
Still nothing.I sighed, slipping my phone into the back pocket of my jeans as I followed Xander into the cafe where he’d suggested we have our late lunch.
I’d been glancing at my phone all week, hoping each time it vibrated that it would be an email back fromThe Confidant. But so far, I’d received nothing in response to the last email I’d sent.
Had I weirded her out when I told her that my issues with my best friend were because of our different religious views? Religion could be a touchy subject with some people, and there were a lot of people who found my particular religion weird for some reason.
The Confidanthad always seemed so open-minded in her responses to everyone else, though, so hopefully it was nothing like that.
Maybe she was just busier than usual this week.
“What would you like to order?” Xander turned back to me as the line at the cafe moved forward.
“I’m in the mood for a sandwich, but I’m not sure what kind.” I looked up at the menu boards above the barista’s head. There was a board with sandwiches and salads. Another with breakfast foods. And two more listing all the drinks that they offered. “Is there anything you recommend?”
“Everything I’ve tried here is really good,” Xander said. “But I think my current favorite is the turkey chipotle club. Their special sauce really elevates the sandwich.”
“I guess I’ll try that then,” I said. I considered making a joke about billionaires probably needing everything in their life to be elevated, but since Xander and I weren’t exactly at that level of friendship, I left it at that.
“Do you want a drink, too?” Xander asked, his blue eyes meeting mine again. “Their cold brew is pretty good. But if you want something hot, I’d have to recommend the Mexican Mocha. It’s amazing.”
“You had me at mocha,” I said, my mouth already watering as I imagined taking a sip of it. “I’ll get that, too.”
He smiled. When the people in front of us moved to the side, he stepped up to the counter and placed our orders.
