His laughter is silent as he falls back into his spot, unpausing the show.
“Because it’s… you can’t.” My energy coming from nothing. “You aren’t staying here tonight.”
I’m a frustrated, flustered mess. He’s never stayed the night before, even when we were together, and it most definitely isn’t happening tonight.
It just… he’s not… it can’t happen…
He throws a muscled arm behind his head, looking up at me as I lean over, gripping the mattress, trying to find stability from somewhere. It’s obvious it’s not happening with his actions.
“You’re cute when you’re frustrated.”
“Cole,” I warn.
“You told me Eli and you arejustfriends, right?” I scowl, unsure of where he’s going with this. “I can be that too.”
Running an annoyed hand down his face, he pauses the show again. The sound as long as it is nondubious.
“Friends look after each other, so that’s what I’m doing. I’m making sure you’re okay.”
“You gave me a ride, bought me dinner, and wrapped up my foot.” I point out needing that to be enough.
He pushes play, ignoring the scathing look I’m shooting at the side of his head.
I cross my arms, giving up as I fall into the headboard. This is going to be the longest night ever.
thirty-three
Rory
Thenextmorning,Iwake up to an empty room. Cole’s gone.
My pillow and the blankets are folded and tucked neatly on the edge of the floor beside my bed.
It isn’t until after I put everything back, shower, and rewrap my ankle—albeit not as well as Cole—that I notice it. The box Eli had given me yesterday sitting on top of my dresser. Only the phone isn’t inside anymore.
I tap at the screen, and it lights up.
After not using one for an extended period, it’s not as strange as I expect to hold one in my hand again. Scanning, I scroll with familiar ease like no time has passed.
Hailey is going to be pumped. I pull up my contacts, ready to add her number, when I find she’s already added. Same as everyone else.
My finger stalls, hovering over Cole’s name, and as if thinking about the devil, he appears. I smirk, not because he’s texted me but because he’s kept his name the same.
Ice Man: Change my name to Kellet and I swear on every pair of denim you own I will break this into a million pieces.
I know Cole isn’t happy about yesterday. Eli giving me this, but it’s a step. He’s trying. Setting up my phone for me, the action is almost considerate… for him.
Last night Cole had said we’re friends and I think I’m okay with that. I type back a response. Something a friend would say.
“What’s got you all googly-eyed?” Finn asks through a mouth of toothpaste.
I catch my reflection in the mirror and he’s right. My skin looks brighter, with a healthy glow to my cheeks. Why am I grinning?
My expression plummets under Finn’s scrutinizing gaze. “Finish brushing your teeth before you get toothpaste all over my floor.”
He walks intomybathroom, spits in the sink and comes back out, waving his brush around. “No, that’s not it.” Looking at me all questioningly. “I know you like seeing me every morning, lil sis, but this is something else.”
“I don’t like you using my bathroom when you have one inyourroom.” I fire off. “That it?” I question sarcastically.