Page 96 of Wanted You More

My hand pauses on her back at the news that I’ve been dreading since he admitted he was feeling off about them. “What?”

All she does is nod, knowing I heard her right the first time.

“Oh my God! When?” I scoot closer to her, seeing the puffiness around her eyes. She’s been crying for a while. “Are you okay?”

It’s a stupid question. She’s not okay. But I don’t know what else to say. I know Lincoln had some reservations, but I figured they’d worked past whatever their problem was.

They both seemed happy.

Maybe they were pretending to be to save face. I’d know that better than anybody.

Kennedy lets out a pathetic noise, making my heart hurt for her. “I don’t know what to do, Austen. I thought he liked me, but he said—” She hiccups. “He said that he thinks we’re too different. That I’m toonice.”

What the fuck? “That’s stupid.”

She doesn’t say anything.

“Hey,” I tell her, pulling her up and giving her a tight hug. “Don’t let that get to you. There’s nothing wrong with being nice. Trust me, you’d be miserable if you were like me.”

She pulls back and swipes her hand against her damp cheeks. “But guys like you. It doesn’t matter that you scowl at everybody or dress like…well, like that.”

I look down at myself and frown. I’m wearing my favorite blue jeans and another sweatshirt that I’m pretty sure has ketchup on it from breakfast this morning. “We’ve had this talk. You don’t want those types of guys who go for the slutty bitches.”

Guilt fills her eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. You’re not either of those things.”

I sort of am, so I shrug it off. “You’re sad, so I forgive you. Plus, I’ve got some questionable clothes in my closet.”

She laughs a little. “If I had your confidence I’d be wearing that stuff too. You always look amazing.”

Lifting her chin up, I lean back and smile at the glossy-eyed girl. “It’s all about how you carry yourself. Head up, girl. You don’t want to let your crown slip.”

Her eyes roll as she sniffles back tears. “I don’t know about a crown, but I appreciate the sentiment.”

I flick her hand playfully. “What do you want to do tonight? We can stay in and watch some feel-good movies. No romance. Maybe I can pick up some food from our favorite place and we can just binge.”

Whenever Marybelle would go through a breakup, we’d trash the guy, eat a bunch of junk after getting high, and then she’d move on to the next.

But I’m friends with Lincoln, so I don’t want to talk shit, and I doubt Kennedy is the type to move on to the next dude without feeling her feels about the one who stupidly ended things. And I know she doesn’t smoke because she disapproved when she caught me with a joint at a party a while back. I’ve laid off it since, especially when I’m around her.

My roommate hugs her pillow tighter to her chest and rests her chin against the top. “I’m not sure I want to do anything but wallow. I know we weren’t together for that long, but I really liked him, Austen. This hurts.”

I feel bad for putting them together. “I know it does, but it’ll get better. If you want to be alone, I get it. But if you want to do something, I’m your girl. I’ve always been good with distractions.”

A heavy breath releases from her as she reaches for my hand and squeezes it. “I appreciate your friendship. I’ll let you know what I need, but I think I just want to rest for a little while, if that’s okay.”

I nod, getting off her bed and walking over to mine. I’d wanted to spend some time with her to celebrate, but I’ll respect her space. That’s what I’d need if I were in her shoes.

“I’m going to head out for a little bit,” I tell her, grabbing my keys and wallet. “Text me if you need anything.”

I’m reaching for the door when she stops me with, “Congratulations on the quiz.”

I shoot her a smile. “Thanks.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

Iwalk intoVisual ArtsII, the class that goes with the one Lincoln and I took last year and see him sitting in a different seat than his usual. It doesn’t stop me from beelining straight for him and peeling his headphones off.

“You didn’t text me back!” I hiss, smacking his arm and causing him to lift his hands in defense. “You’ve been avoiding me all week, you jerk.”

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