Page 67 of Setting Limits

Her eyes widen when I turn to her. As much as she talked about attending more parties once at school, I haven’t seen much of it. Granted, I want to party less these days too with Wes around.

“I guess. It’s been a while since I’ve been to one. And I like Marissa.”

Nobody has to ask Lochlyn. If Shay wants to go, he will too. He’d follow her anywhere.

“Okay, I’ll probably see her first, so I’ll let her know we’ll all be there. She’ll be happy to see you. It’s been a minute, she said. You should poke your head in the next time you’re in the dorm. Or maybe we have her over one night for a show and popcorn or Chinese again?” It was a good night, and Shay seemed to enjoy herself.

“Yeah, that actually sounds like fun. She hasn’t been around the past few times I’ve been there. I think our schedules are really different this semester.”

A quick glance to my left and I see the guys are involved in their own conversation and Lochlyn seems more at ease. Overprotective as he may be, he always has the best intentions with it. And I’m glad he has that trait because he applies it to my best friend way more than he ever has me. I worry what would happen if another guy so much as brushed against Shay accidentally.

That party over the summer at Jay’s, I’m shocked he didn’t lay Jay out flat. Especially since Jay’s a creeper, despite them being good friends. That one I never really understood except for the fact that Lochlyn is super loyal, and they grew up together. It was clearly because they were still in secret, and I’d for sure have known, but I was quite impressed with Lochlyn’s self-restraint in that moment.

“So, why is Lochlyn so upset? Is he really having trouble with all of this?” If he is, I have to find a way to rectify that.

“It’s just one of those things where it’s more real seeing it out in public. Kind of like how you see your teacher out of the classroom for the first time and realize they’re a real person? Do you remember when we first saw Mrs. Katz at the grocery store? We were so sure she was a twin or something and not the real Mrs. Katz, that she lived in her classroom, so surely this person in the grocery store had to be an imposter.”

The memory makes me smile. Such childish memories are what I value. “Oh, my God, yes, I do remember that. How silly.”

She lifts that one shoulder. “It’s a normal kid thing. They know the teacher as their teacher, and that’s it. It kind of breaks the bubble when they see their teacher outside in the real world. Tonight is breaking Lochlyn’s bubble on you and Wes being a couple. He’s okay with it, I promise. He loves you, and Wes is still his best friend. We’ve talked about it a lot, and he’s just happy you’re happy.”

“Okay, good. I can understand that mindset, I think. I had to go through the same process, so I’ll try to give him some grace instead of shit.”

We share a little laugh, and Shay opens her mouth to say something, but before she can, large plates of food are placed in front of us. All four are huge, steaming, and smell absolutely delicious. My mouth waters, and my stomach grumbles. And a personal pizza here is almost the same size as a six-cut from our favorite pizza joint. The thought of leftovers tomorrow is absolutely amazing.

It’s an even better thought once I take a bite and moan.

Wes leans into my ear and whispers, “You’re supposed to save noises like that for me, sweetness. Don’t make me jealous of food.”

My face immediately burns, and I catch Lochlyn’s eye before darting my gaze to my plate, clearing my throat and fanning my face. “Sorry, my hunger got the better of me. Too hot.”

With a quick glance around, I see that nobody else is eating yet. “Yeah, Chels. That’s what steam means. It’s hot.”

“Iknowthat, Lochlyn. I’m starving. Sorry.”

By the looks of things, everybody is going to have leftovers of some sort, though the boys can both pack it away, so who really knows with them. But Shay’s chicken is the size of her head, and she also has a side of pasta and salad. She’s a dainty little thing and while she’ll eat more than it looks like she can, she’ll surely have some tomorrow.

“We should get together for a feast tomorrow for lunch. We’ll all have some.” I gesture around the table.

“Oh agreed. Especially since I’m saving room for dessert.” Of course, Shay would.

“The tiramisu may not be as good here, baby girl. Prepare for that.”

“I am, but I have to try it.” Her eyes gleam at the prospect.

We all laugh and then dig into our food. Noises of enjoyment erupt around the table. At the very least, the food is amazing. The company too has calmed and gotten better, conversation flowing even if broken into duos or triples with one odd person out.

At the end of the dinner when the check comes, exactly what I expect happens.Lochlyn and Wes both reach for it.

“I got it.” Lochlyn’s voice is firm, as is his grip on the black booklet containing the check.

“Allow me.”

“Not a chance, buddy.”

Shay and I both roll our eyes at the men fighting over the check. “It’s all money from our respective parents, guys, so why don’t we just split it. Wes can pay for me and him, and you pay for yourself and Shay.”

The grimace on Lochlyn’s face tells me he doesn’t like the idea, but he gives in. “Fine.”

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