Harper
I was curled up on the couch with Ella and Zoey in my living room, their heads heavy against my shoulders while I gently rubbed the sides of their arms in slow circles. It was one of the ways I comforted them so they wouldn’t drop actual tears over the Barclay Twins.
“I hate to say it, but this was going to eventually happen,” I said softly. “You both knew that it was nothing serious. You were just having a good time with the twins.”
Zoey let out a dramatic huff, pushing her head off my shoulder so she could look me in the eye, her hand pressed against her chest like she was offended.
“It’s just, they were so fun and acted like gentlemen.”
“Exactly!” Ella chimed in from the other side, her voice a pitch higher with frustration. “And here I thought things were just getting better.”
She shoved her hair out of her face and picked up her phone from the table for what had to be the hundredth time. She hadn’t stopped reading the message that Adrian had sent to her. It was the same one Aiden had sent to Zoey, word for word.
“You’re an amazing girl. Thanks for all the good memories. It was fun while it lasted.”
“I really thought that Aiden and I were going strong. I guess it was one–sided.” Zoey sighed with an effort.
“You two really fell for these guys,” I lightly teased.
Ella groaned and grabbed the nearest pillow, swatting me on the arm with it. “Don’t say it like that. It only makes it worse that the fun is over and we didn’t see it coming.”
“Well…” I dragged the word out before pressing my lips together. “…I kinda did.”
Their heads shot towards me with narrowed eyes.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” They asked in unison.
I threw my hands up defensively. “Okay, calm down. Last weekend, Maddox told me the twins don’t do the commitment type of thing, just like him.”
Zoey gasped, shaking me by my shoulder like I’d just committed a crime. “And you didn’t say anything?”
“How was I supposed to just say it?” I forced a chuckle. “I didn’t know how to make it sound
better, so I said nothing. I also didn’t want to ruin the fun for you guys.”
“Well, it’s all in the past now.” Ella slightly frowned as she gently punched the side of my arm. Then, with a grin, she said, “At least you and Maddox still have your thing going on.”
“I’ve always told you two that it’s nothing serious.” I rolled my eyes dismissively.
“I don’t think so.” Zoey pursed her lips. “Didn’t you say that he warned you last week about Dean?”
I hesitated. “Well, yes, but that doesn’t mean-‘
“Yes, it does!” They said in unison.
“Ugh! You two are ridiculous.”
“No,” Zoey said, leaning forward to squeeze my hand. “You two really look so good together. Can’t you just like…give him a chance?”
I rolled my eyes in disbelief. “Did you not hear a thing I said?”
“You just don’t want to admit it, but we see what’s going on.” Ella smirked. “Maddox kissed you right in front of Kate and now he calls and texts you more frequently than ever before. He’s even in San Francisco today for a few business meetings, but I bet he has a huge surprise for you afterwards!”
“Yeah!” Zoey firmly added. “And since the day you came back from London last weekend, he’s asked about Dean a lot. Isn’t it obvious? The idea of you and Dean getting closer bothers him.”
Rising to my feet, I brushed my palms over my jeans. “Look, Dean and I, that’s never happening. And Maddox…” I exhaled, waving a hand as though that explained everything. “He’s just become a little possessive, that’s all.”
“You know what I think?” Ella’s eyes thoughtfully narrowed. “Had it been Grayson acting this way, even without doing much, you would’ve already convinced yourself that he was in love with you.”
Her words hit me so hard that I smacked my lips together as I frowned and lowered my gaze.
Ella gasped and slapped her mouth. “Oh, shit, I shouldn’t have brought him up.”
“I’m fine. It’s okay.” I assured her with a smile that didn’t reach my eyes.
“You’re so dumb sometimes.” Zoey shook her head with disapproval at Ella, then gave me a soft, reassuring look. “It’s okay, Harper. Don’t let her mouth ruin the vibe.”
Ella pouted, throwing her arms around me. “I’m sorry. It just still pisses me off that he chose that bitch even after everything. Imagine if that baby isn’t even his!”
My eyebrows furrowed as that possibility flickered in my mind. For a few seconds, I pictured it, then shook my head hard to shut it all out. It didn’t matter. I hadn’t seen him or spoken to him since he’d blocked me. I’d been completely cut off.
“You know what?” I broke the hug, my voice firmer. “Enough about him. If we’re going to talk about boys, no Grayson.”
“Well,” I said slowly, “if you two are okay, then I guess I’ll just cancel the shopping spree I was planning to cheer you up.”
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