Page 3 of Let Me Love You

“I have work,” I tell her.

“Boooo,” Blake groans, shoving her messy red hair into a bun on the top of her head. “What about you guys?”

“Mack and I were gonna watch a movie at his house, but we can always watch it here and hang out,” Kate offers.

“Ooo, yes.” Blake snaps her fingers. “I like it. How ‘bout you, Ash?”

Ash smiles shyly. “Sorry. Colt and I have plans.”

Now it’s my turn to gag.

I’m only half kidding. The girl has had the hots for Colt since day one. They’re so sappy it gives me a toothache most days. I can’t decide if it’s out of jealousy or actual disgust. Because they’re perfect together. Literally perfect. And even though my long line of shitty relationships has left me doubting I’ll ever find a guy worth dating, Ash and Colt give me hope. That maybe, just maybe, I’ll surprise myself. Or…a mystery man will surprise me. Then again, I’m a bit of a cynic, so it’s not like I’ll be holding my breath.

Relationships and I?

Yeah, no.

We’ve never been a good fit.

Especially when it comes to the opposite sex.

Even my relationship with my dad was strained before he borrowed money from some very shady people and wound up dead. It happened a while ago, and overall, I think I’m over it. Well, maybe not over it, but I’ve dealt with it well enough. Regardless, I haven't exactly sown a lot of fruitful relationships since.

Exhibit A: Shorty. The jerk who not only manhandled me on more than one occasion but also decided to tell the entire internet NaughtyGirl213’s real identity.

Thanks a lot, asshole.

I shove aside the thought, set my glass in the sink, and turn to Ashlyn. “You guys gonna pick out linens to go in your perfect little apartment?”

Ash rolls her eyes. “We've already picked out our linens, thank you very much. Tonight, we’re unpacking the last boxes and christening the bed.” Her brows bounce up and down.

I snort while Kate quips, “Not gonna lie. Probably the biggest benefit of Mack already having his house put together is only needing to pack my clothes.”

Blake’s bottom lip juts out. “And I need to convince Theo to ask me to move in with him.”

“Yeah, like it’s a chore. The guy’s crazy about you,” I remind her.

And I’m right.

She knows I am.

Her frown turns upside down. When she catches herself grinning from ear to ear, she sobers instantly. Still happy, sure, but not quite as in your face as she would be if I wasn’t here.

Because the girl knows who she’s talking to. The pathetic little seventh wheel. The girl who doesn’t date. The girl who can’t find a job with her brand new nursing degree. The girl who has creepy stalkers hunting her down after Shorty announced her real name on the internet.

But at least Blake has options. At least she isn’t alone. At least she has someone who adores her and would do anything for her at the drop of a hat.

Me? Well. I’m fucked.

“Don’t give me that look,” I mutter. “Have fun tonight. I’ll talk to you guys later.”

I head down the hall toward my room. It’s more barren than it used to be. The desk is empty now. All my assignments have been turned in. I slip off my shirt, grab a black tank top and jeans, SeaBird’s standard uniform, and put them on. I don’t have to be at work for a few more hours, but maybe I can grab an extra shift.

Besides, I could use the distraction.

And the money.

And the reminder that even though everyone else’s life is moving forward, maybe with enough perseverance, mine will too.

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