Page 84 of Searching for Nova

“I’m hoping by tomorrow you’ll agree to be more than that, but if not, then yeah, friends can stay overnight. Jace is a friend and I stay with him.”

“But not in the same bed.”

“Well, no. I could sleep on the floor if you want.”

“You’re not sleeping on the floor.” I look back at my twin bed. “Or maybe we should. There’s not much room on my bed.”

“We’ll figure it out. Is Ted going to be okay with this?”

“As long as you don’t eat his food, he won’t care that you’re here.”

“I’ll bring my own food.” Easton gets his phone out and sends a text. “I told my mom there was a road closure and I’m going to be late.”

I can’t even imagine someone being that worried about me. If I didn’t have to make Ted meals, he wouldn’t notice if I’d been gone for days, or weeks. He wouldn’t care if I disappeared. He’d be happy I’m gone.

We leave my room and I walk Easton to the door.

“We’re really doing this?” I ask. “A sleepover?”

“If I can get Jace to go along with it, then yeah. I’ve covered for him before. He owes me.” Easton leans down and kisses me. “One last time, unless you decide to let us date.”

“What if we just said we were dating but really weren’t?”

“It doesn’t work that way. We’re either dating or we’re not.”

“And if we’re not, you really think we can spend the night together without anything happening?”

“I can. I don’t know about you.” He smiles. “But I’m stronger than you. I can keep you away if I really need to.”

“Why do I feel like I’m being forced into this?”

“You’re not being forced. It’s your choice. I just want you back in my life. If that means we’re only friends, I’ll take it.”

“What the hell’s he doing here?” Ted grumbles, coming up behind Easton.

“I was just leaving.” Easton looks at me. “I’ll let you know about tomorrow.”

He leaves and Ted comes into the apartment.

“I thought you were with your lady friend,” I say as he sits in his chair.

“I was, but she had to work so I came home.”

“Where does she work?”

“The casino. She’s working the night shift. She wanted me to come with her, but I didn’t want to be there all night.”

“What about tomorrow? Are you going out with her?”

“Get me a beer,” he says, turning on the TV. “A cold one.”

I bring him two, knowing he always has at least two before bed. “Are you going out with that lady tomorrow?”

“Maybe. Why?” He glances at me. “You having that boy over again?”

“I think so. He might stay the night.”

“What happened to the fat kid? You done with him?”

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