Page 21 of Love so Cold

Okay, ladies. Gotta focus. We'll plot our next move later.

Samantha

NO WAY! There's more to this story, I know there is. What are you hiding?

My thumb hovers over the screen, the chat bubble blinking with anticipation.

Avery

He had the nerve to ask me to have breakfast with him

Jessica

Did you?!

Emily

OMG WHAT?

Samantha

Knew it!

Avery

Of course not. I'd never dine with the enemy.

Samantha

Why not when the enemy looks that good?

I stare at the question, my mind scrambling for an excuse that doesn't sound like I'm secretly wishing I'd said yes.

Avery

I just...

My thumbs falter, and I delete the half-formed response. Before I can come up with a reason, Samantha offers one up.

Samantha

Because Avery's got it bad for him, that's why

I scoff.

Avery

Hardly. Can we please stay on topic?

Samantha

Your non-existent dating life *is* the best topic, though

I sigh, the weight of the conversation pressing down on me. I ignore Samantha's attempt to bait me.

Avery

Not sure what to do now.

---