Page 2 of Moonflower

Wilder pouts, sticking his bottom lip out the way he used to do all the time when we were kids.

With a laugh, I say, “Fine, fine. You’re hot too, Wild.”

He gives me a satisfied grin before Ezra grabs his phone, coming back into view. “Everything going okay? Friends? You and Matt?” He says the last part more quietly, almost like he’s . . . jealous? That can’t be right.

“Friends are good. We’re thinking of going on vacation together this summer. Me, Brooke, Liling, and Imani, that is.”

“That sounds cool,” Wilder says, shoving his face right next to Ezra’s. “Kinda fast, though. Haven’t you only been friends with them for a couple months?”

“We were on each other’s radar before. I mean, Liling and I are getting the same degree.”

“You trust them?”

“Of course, Wilder.”

“Dude,” Ezra says. “Chill out.”

“I’m allowed to be cautious! Our little Moonflower can be too trusting sometimes. Speaking of being too trusting, how’s Matt?”

I brush off his comment with an eye roll. “Fine, I guess. He’ll probably be home soon from hanging out with the guys.”

“I thought tonight was supposed to be date night,” Ezra says. “That’s what you told me yesterday.”

“Plans changed.” I shrug.

Wait. If he knew tonight was date night, then why did he call me?

Wilder and Ezra exchange a loaded look. My heart sinks.

“You knew he’d cancel, didn’t you?”

Ezra grimaces, and Wilder clenches his jaw.

“There’s a pattern, Cora. Don’t know how you don’t see it.” Ezra’s expression is one of deep discomfort. He runs a hand through his curls.

“I know,” I mutter.

To be honest, things haven’t been that great with Matt and I for a while. We started dating at the beginning of our junior year, and we decided he should move in with me this semester. Ever since, things have gone downhill.

Well . . . not that there was ever an up.

“You know you’re settling with him, right?” Wilder’s tone is serious. Maybe even a little annoyed.

I sigh. Of course I know I’m settling. But I can’t have what I really want. It’s selfish. And a potential recipe for disaster.

“Cora,” he says again with a hint of impatience.

“I can handle my own love life,” I say.

Wilder looks like he’s about to say something snarky, but Ezra cuts him off.

“We know. We just don’t want you to get your heart broken.”

I laugh. It’s more bitter than amused. Because the two men on the other side of my screen are the only ones who hold the power to break my heart.

“It’s not funny, Cora,” Wilder grits out.

“I’ll be fine,” I say, forcing lightheartedness into my voice. “You two worry too much.”

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