Page 57 of How We Loved

“Then, why do you think she does?”

I shrug. “That’s what I’m trying to figure out. I have no clue what she sees in him.”

“She’s never really dated anyone, has she?”

“Yeah, she’s dated a few guys. There was Scott first and Matt our sophomore year.”

“I never knew about them. Did you like them?”

“They were okay. She didn’t date them for long. This guy, this relationship, seems different than when she dated them.”

“Do you think it’s just because you don’t know him very well, like you did the other guys? What if you try to get to know him better? Then, you might not feel this way.”

“I doubt it. I already know all I need to know about him. Plus, she was with him last night, and when I called, he answered her phone, told me she’s busy, and then hung up on me.”

Mom stops stirring the eggs and looks up at me. “Oh.”

“Yeah. Oh. It’s stuff like that. I just don’t like knowing she’s alone with him. Who’s going to protect her if something goes wrong?”

She finishes cooking her eggs, turns off the stove, and removes them from the burner before walking around the counter to me.

“I know she means a lot to you, even as just your best friend, much to her mom’s and my dismay.” She grins, then moves on as I roll my eyes. “But she’s a big girl. You can’t protect her from everything. She needs to live her life—without you, if that’s what you guys choose. I don’t know many guys who are going to be okay with your friendship. He probably didn’t like you calling her when they were together. Maybe this is the beginning of you both growing up.” She places her hand over mine with a gentle squeeze. “Just make sure you’re there if or when she does need you. Until then, support her decisions. Who knows? You might get to like this guy. There must be something to him if she likes him so much.”

I shake my head and let out a breath. “Yeah, maybe.” I look at her. “Thanks. I’m going to go call the guys to see if they want to go shoot some hoops.”

“Okay. I’ll plan a lunch if you want to have them come over afterward. Maybe a day with the guys is what you need.”

“Yeah. Thanks, Mom.”

She gives me a big hug. “Anytime, baby.”

I head back to my room and text the guys to see who’s down. Surprisingly, everyone is available, even Eli, who’s mysteriously been off in his own world lately. We plan to meet in an hour at the park where the city installed a full-sized court next to the tennis courts a few years ago.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Maya

Trevor arrives at my house by nine a.m. Since he has to work at one, he wanted to make sure we had enough time to spend together. I thought he was kidding when he texted at eight, waking me up, but really, it just made me even happier. I don’t know many guys who would wake up that early just to hang out with their girlfriends before they went to work.

“He’s here, Daddy,” I yell into the living room, where he’s reading over some tech reports.

My dad wanted to spend some time with him this morning, so we made breakfast for us to eat together so he could get to know Trevor better.

I answer the door and lean in to give him a quick kiss. “Hi,” I say with a smile so big that my cheeks already hurt.

“Good morning.” He leans in to get a longer kiss, making me laugh as I push him off of me.

“My dad is coming.”

“Trevor,” Dad says as he rounds the corner to our entryway. “Please, come in.”

He sticks out his hand to Trevor, and they shake.

“Good to see you again, sir.”

“Follow me. We made a breakfast casserole and French toast.”

My dad turns to head toward the kitchen, and Trevor is quick to grab my ass as he walks by. I yelp in surprise. He just gives me a cocky grin.

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