Page 34 of A Stealthy Situation

Dude, we’re watching a show, and they just called the other person a “wanker.” Made me think of you.

Harrison:

Naw, you’re so obsessed. It’s kinda cute really.

Me:

Calm down, big guy, it just sounded so dumb and British, who else was I supposed to think of?

Harrison:

“Big guy”? And now you’re hitting on me. My ego is inflating at such a rapid pace, I might need to develop a degradation kink to bring it down a little.

Me:

And now you’re talking kinks. Remind me of who is hitting on who? You know I’m skilled at insulting people.

I lock my phone and set it aside, sure that if he messages back, I’ll be glued to my phone all night. The second I see his name on my screen, I’m a fucking mess of excitement over seeing what he’s texted. I need it constantly. Maybe he’s right that I’m a little obsessed?

Fucking crushes.

It’s gotten so bad that I actually considered going to my statistics class tomorrow just to hang out with him, but thankfully, I haven’t reached that level of desperation yet.

“Hey, Em?”

My brother glances over from where he’s swinging on my desk chair.

“Remember how we have that ‘no talking to people in class’ rule?”

He gives me a funny look. “Yeah, why?”

“I’m just worried that tomorrow, Harrison will try to sit with you, and that could get awkward.”

Emmett shakes his head and turns back to the screen. “I’ve got it covered. Don’t worry about it.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, I’ll sneak in right before doors lock and wear my hoodie up.”

“Won’t it be too hot for that?”

“Nah, the room has AC. We’re good.”

While I completely trust him to handle it, I also know how quickly Harrison pounced on me that day we met, so I wouldn’t put it past him to be watching out for me either. Would he do that? Sure, we’re friends, but I’m assuming he has other people he knows in that class.

Emmett suddenly reaches forward to pause the movie we’re watching. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Are you seriously trying to play the nothing card with me? Me?”

He’s right. We know each other way too well for that. Back to front, inside and out. We’ve never kept a secret from each other because it’s not who we are. “Fine. I’m just worried. Harrison’s turning out to be a really good friend, and I don’t want to put you in the position of having to act like me one-on-one.”

“There’s, like, three hundred students in the class, Benny. We’ll be okay. If some strange guy sits next to me and starts talking like I know him, I’ll play sick and leave.”

I suppose that could work. “Are you sure you still want to do this though? I’m not exactly giving you anything back at the moment. Maybe you should?—”

He cuts me off. “Don’t bring up San Diego State again. It’s fine. I want to do this for you. If you don’t pass this course, there goes your chance at being a sports journalist, and your reasons for wanting that are good. I’m going to help you however I can. Plus, you are giving me something. You’re letting me stay here and haven’t spilled the beans to Asher and West.”

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