“The thing about you is that you’re always looking for the best in people,” Karen adds thoughtfully. “It’s both a blessing and a curse, I’d say.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Adalee only shrugs.
“Maybe not.”
“Yep, maybe we’re just crazy for thinking a girl like you might fall head over heels for a guy like him.”
“I’m not in love,” I whisper.
“Look, whatever happens tonight, just know that we love you,” Karen says gently. “And we would never judge you.”
I look up at them and I’m shocked to see so much blatant compassion my friends’ faces. What did I do to deserve friends like them?
“He’s hurt me,” I whisper.
“We all hurt each other,” Adalee says.
“It’s part of being human,” Karen adds sadly. “Even the people we love the most hold the power to really damage us.”
“I don’t know what’s going to happen tonight,” I say.
I probably should know.
I should at least have a heads-up.
I mean, I’m going out with Gavin. Are we going to hook up? Are we going to talk? Do I want either of those things? I reacted so poorly when he made me come. I completely freaked out and it was wrong of me, but...
Nobody has ever made me feel the way Gavin makes me feel, and to be honest, that’s completely terrifying.
Nobody has the power to make me feel alive the way that he does.
“No matter what happens, you’ll be okay,” Karen says.
“And if you’re not, we’ll be here to help pick up the pieces,” Adalee murmurs.
I feel a little choked up at the realization that no matter what happens next, my friends will always be there for me.
“Thanks,” I whisper.
“Now get out there,” Karen says. She hugs me tightly and Adalee joins in. It’s a very TV-esque kind of moment, but that’s quite all right with me. These girls are practically sisters to me and none of us knows what’s going to happen next. We don’t know what’s going to happen tonight. We don’t know what’s going to occur when I walk out the door.
I mean, as far as I know, Gavin could just want to hang out so he can tell me how much I suck.
“Yeah,” I say. “Okay. I’ll go.”
They walk me out of my room and down the hall. We get down to the first floor and we walk outside together.
“Where is he?” Adalee asks. She glances at her watch. Only a girl like Adalee would wear a watch in this day and age.
“There,” I point to the parking lot. He’s parked at the back and he’s standing against his car. His feet are crossed at the ankles and his arms are crossed over his chest. Everything about him screams “not interested” and “bad boy.”
Those are two vibes he’s just never been able to shake.
Well, until now.
“Do you want us to go with you?” Karen eyes him warily.