Page 64 of Wild Hearts

“Nothing,” she says too quickly, putting her half-eaten sandwich on the coffee table. She moves to stand up, but I reach out to grab her arm.

“Ivy, if you know something you have to tell me.”

“I... don’t,” she shakes her head. “But...” she adds upon seeing disappointment flood my face. “If you really do have feelings for her, just give her time. Trust me, okay?”

Ivy knows more than she’s letting on, but I don’t push. God knows I’ve kept my fair share of secrets from her, and this one isn’t about her, it’s about Wren. It confirms what I already suspected: somethingisgoing on with her. But I know from experience that if I push her before she’s ready to tell me, she’ll push back.

“Ives, just be there for her, can you? Make sure she knows–”Make sure she knows what? That I’m still madly in love with her? That I miss her like crazy?“Make sure she knows I’m here for her if she needs me. I’ll always be her friend, no matter what.”

My sister blinks back tears as she nods. I let her go and sink back into the couch, running my hand through my hair. What a fucking day. At least Ivy’s no longer giving me the silent treatment, but I’ve got more questions for Wren and I’ve pissed off my best friend. I cleaned up one mess, and now I’ve got two more to worry about.

LUCKY FOR ME, JORDANisn’t one to hold a grudge. When I meet up with him, Lachy and Harley for coffee the next day, he’s back to his usual laid-back, “don’t give a fuck” persona.

Jordan smirks when I sit down at the table with my much-needed large espresso. “So, cat’s out of the bag with you and Wren, then?”

I narrow my eyes at Lachy, who shrugs and holds up his hands in defence. He and Harley are both failing to hide their own shit-eating grins.

“Can’t say we didn’t see this coming.” Jordan chuckles. “Going for your sister’s best friend is never a good idea.”

“Yeah, yeah, alright.” I roll my eyes. “Get it out of your system.”

He holds his hands up in surrender. “I’m done, man. Besides, Wren’s a looker, I don’t blame you for...” His voice trails off when he sees the dark look that’s crossed my face.

“So,” Lachy says, trying to defuse the tension. “Who’s up for some beers and a movie night at our place? Ivy and Wren are looking after the Scoop, so... boys’ night?”

Before anyone can answer, the door to the coffee shop opens and Harley stiffens in his seat. I glance over my shoulder and spot Ellie flanked by all three of her brothers. She catches my eye and her smile slips from her face as she realises Harley’s sitting across from me.

“What’s she doing here?” Jordan mutters so only we can hear. “Shouldn’t she be at school? I guess being the principal’s daughter comes with some bonus perks.”

“Forget about her,” Lachy says, clapping his hand on Harley’s shoulder as I turn back to face my friends. “She’s not worth the drama.”

“Whatever. I’m over it anyway.” Harley shrugs it off, but while Jordan and Lachy keep planning our boys’ night, his eyes stray to the table where Ellie’s sitting with her brothers. I don’t care what hesays, I’d know that look anywhere. Ellie Foster has him in a chokehold.

As I follow Harley out the door, Conrad calls out to him. “Hey Breed, heard you copped a bit of a pounding at Robbo’s party... Karma’s a bitch, dude.”

Conrad’s brothers look over at us in confusion as Harley clenches his fist. I push him out the door before Jordan and Lachy can hear and start a brawl right here in the campus coffee shop. I glance back at their table as the door swings closed behind me and my stomach drops at the look of misery plastered on Ellie’s face.

Shit.Harley’s little love drama is almost as messed up as my own.

Jordan and I head off to sports science while Harley stalks off to meet Ivy before their psych lecture.

“I’ll grab some beers and meet you guys in the parking lot at four,” Lachy calls as he heads off to check in at the ice cream store.

“How’s Maribel doing?” I ask Jordan on our way to class. “Ivy told me she’s been moved to the specialist centre.”

He shrugs. “Her treatment’s causing her to have some adverse reactions, but Dad’s hoping they’ll be home next week.”

“That’s good,” I say, trying to sound upbeat and positive, but Jordan’s not listening to me.

“Is that Isobel?” He raises his hand to his eyes so he can see better against the sun. He calls out to the pretty brunette. “You never called me back,tesoro mio.” He jogs off to catch up to her.

I roll my eyes and follow behind them. Looks like instead of dealing with everything, he’s just going to distract himself with another girl. I’m seriously worried about him. I’m not sure his behaviour is normal. Not that I can talk, I guess – everyone still thinks I ran my board into the rocks on purpose.

---