Page 61 of How We Loved

She sighs. “I know this won’t help, but, no, it really didn’t bother me because of your relationship with Ben. I knew there was nothing between you and Dalton because of that.”

I chuckle under my breath. “Yeah, that doesn’t help me.”

She laughs. “I told you I’d always be honest with you.”

“So, what should I do?”

“These guys are more than your friends, and he needs to understand that. He doesn’t know your past. Besides, now, it’s not just you four. Ashley, Susie, and I are always around, too, so that should help.”

“Yeah …” I pause, thinking about both times he mentioned it and how final he seemed with his thoughts. “I think it’s just the way he said it.”

“Like how?”

“Like …” I let out a breath. “Like he meant it. Like his statement was final and there was no room for negotiations. It makes me feel like he’s my father, laying down the law or something.”

“Um …” She doesn’t finish that sentence.

“Yeah, um. He even said period, all stern-like. I get my relationship with Ben was a little over the top, and I wouldn’t like it if a girl always sat on Trevor’s lap, but it’s like he’s not even giving me a chance to find a solution. He’s just like, No, you can’t hang out with them at all.”

“Maya, I’m not going to sugarcoat anything to make you feel better. So, I mean it when I say I’m not okay with that.”

I sigh. “Me neither. But I like him. So, what do I do?”

“I guess you’ll have to figure out if he’s actually worth this. What do the guys say—bros before hos?”

I laugh out loud, and she joins me.

“I guess this is the same thing. Take away how close you are with Ben and just look at the group in general. I’m sure that’s no different from Trevor’s group of guy friends. How would he feel if you said he couldn’t hang out with his friends?”

“That’s a good point …”

“So, are you not hanging out with us tomorrow?”

“I told Ben I’d come, but then I made plans to go to Trevor’s, so, no, I won’t be there.”

“Okay. Maybe give it more time. If you like the guy, see where this goes. But if he gets stern with you again like that, maybe it’s time to reconsider this relationship.”

Tears prick my eyes. I don’t want to reconsider our relationship, but I also don’t want to lose Ben or the guys.

I take a deep breath in. “Okay, thanks.”

“Anytime. And please, keep me posted on what else he says. I, too, need to make sure he’s good enough for you,” she says teasingly, making me smile.

“I will.”

We hang up, and I plop down on my bed, knowing I have some thinking to do.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Maya

I thought about what Trevor said all night, then about what Natalie said, and she’s right. I need to see where Trevor and I are going before I make any final decisions on pulling back even more from all the guys—especially Ben.

I feel bad, flaking on Ben today, but I think it’s good timing to go see Trevor so I can fully make up my mind.

I send Ben a text, saying I can’t go—ripping off the Band-Aid per se with that situation—and get ready to go to Trevor’s.

It’s a little past eleven when I pull up, and Trevor meets me out front.

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