My panic inflates even as a lull peacefulness settles in. No movements, not a peep. A stilled quiet of nothingness before Hailey’s sharp inhale breaks the barrier. Everything happens in double time after.
I swear I hear something crack over in Cole’s direction, but whatever it was, he doesn’t seem to feel it. Waiting to hear the response.
That monumental something finally makes its appearance.
Cole’s eyes are wired, his stare murderous now.
Yes, that’s what Eli has just said to his question. Yes. The one word bounces, ricocheting off my ears.
Someone else sucks in a breath now—wait, that’s me. I’m the one gasping because Eli saidyes.His honesty rubs my lungs raw.
He waves his hand, jaded but downplaying it. “We’re only friends.”
Eli catches my eye and Cole’s lip curls and I hear the rumble from his throat. Other than that, he stays murderously still.
“Right, Rory?”
The muscles in Cole’s arms tense, pulsing with his restrained anger, but he doesn’t move from his spot. His foot now tapping in place.
I can feel it. Iceman’s one bad puff away from going off, but he stays. I know he’s waiting on me. Eager for my response. Same as they all are.
How did we end up like this?
Finally, like a can filled with too much pressurized air, the strain becomes too tight and Cole explodes. Erupting before I get the chance to answer.
“Fuck this,” he snarls.
Making up his own mind.
Uneasiness prickles on my neck as I watch his retreating form disappear inside. It’s short lived because how dare he?
He hadn’t given me a chance. Coming up with his own theory before I could attempt to shed some light. A coward is not something I’d ever think to call him but that’s what his actions show.
Bowing out just as things start to get real.
What a cop-out.
Taking my drink, I pour it over the flames. They hiss and then they die.
“Party’s over,” I demand.
Like the smoke reacts to the ash, I do the same. Emerging through the fog as I step inside. This thing going on between Cole and me just needs another spark.
And I’m not done fuming.
forty-eight
Cole
“You’reacoward!”
Her footsteps are surprisingly light for how much spite she carries in that one sentence.
“…Well?” She storms, coming farther inside the bedroom. “Are you going to say something, or are you going to leave again before letting me finish?”
If this is her being lenient, then I’m at her mercy.
Her head shakes her displeasure when I continue to stare at nothing. “I knew it.” Her tongue clicks. “Coward.” Her temper covering the disappointment in her tone.