Emmett shifts to his other foot. “You got a minute?”

“Nope. We’re grabbing something to eat.”

And in the worst cover-up in history, Jordan has my back. “Ah, yeah. Food. We’re going now.”

Don’t laugh don’t laugh don’t laugh.

“A second, then,” Emmett says dryly, sounding a whole lot more like my Benny. I hate it.

Jordan looks to me for what I want to do.

The thing is, I’m curious, but this is between me and Benny. Not us and his brother. Emmett has had enough of a role, but other than being the guy who sits next to me in class, he doesn’t owe me anything.

“You’re not who I want to talk to.”

“Good.” He plants his hands on his hips. “If you want to talk to him, then do it.”

“Yeah, but I get the feeling he has no interest in talking to me.”

“Was it the multiple obsessive messages that gave you that impression?”

I snort, because that actually gave me hope. “No, it was him sleeping with some other guy that gave me that impression.”

Emmett slumps. “Did he tell you that?”

“Yes.”

“I’m gonna kill him. My brother is a dumbass, but I’m assuming you know that already since you’ve spent more than five seconds with him. He said that to hurt you because he’s hurting, and he has no idea how to be a normal person and deal with his shit properly.”

Jordan’s still eagerly listening in, and I don’t blame him. We exchange another look.

“You ghosted him!” Emmett snaps. “He just wanted your attention.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

“From where I’m standing, you’re both ridiculous.”

Jordan tries to hide his snicker. “I’m getting that impression too.”

I narrow a glare his way. “Jumped ship fast over there.”

“I’m entertained. Sue me.”

Emmett turns his glare on Jordan instead. “You shouldn’t even be here. Bowser isn’t going to use your number because he’s perfect for my brother, and my brother is perfect for him.”

“Whoa.” Jordan throws his hands up. “I wasn’t hitting on him. I don’t even like guys like that, and I have a girlfriend, or at least I do for right now.”

Emmett takes another few seconds before his glare lets up. “In that case … umm, sorry?”

“You’re okay,” Jordan assures him.

Emmett shakes his head and turns to me. “No, sorry to you. I texted Benny. He’s waiting outside, and he’s kinda pissed.”

“Jesus fucking Christ.”

“I said sorry! But I thought you were moving on, so I freaked out. I’ve never heard him talk about someone the way he talks about you. It’s so cute.”

My heart does this weird little stutter thing. “It might be cute, but telling me he was getting a BJ from someone else isn’t okay.”