Page 59 of Replay

“If that was the Berkley I witnessed in love, she’d be on the same exact bench as him, barely giving each other any room. Literally feeding each other, whispering words in between bites. And don’t forget the unforgettable PDA you two always put us all through. Neither of you could keep your hands or your eyes off each other.”

I watch them for a few minutes, letting his words settle. A renewed hope stirs inside of me, and I stand, grabbing the bag of chips off the table.

“Oh fuck, that wasn’t your invitation to go do anything,” Graham says with wide eyes, grabbing my arm.

“I’ll play nice.” I shake out of his grasp, but I hear his big frame shift out of the picnic table and follow me.

My long strides take me across the courtyard faster than I can think this through.

A surprised Berkley meets my stare.

“What’s up, Outlaw?” Graves tries to act casual, but I hear the bite in his tone.

“Looked like you two were having afriendlylunch, didn’t seem like we were interrupting anything,” I retort as Graham walks up.

And I’m going to punt your ass right back into the friend-zone.

“I was craving this flavor so bad…” I open the bag and pop one in my mouth, savoring it. “Mmmm,” I moan at the taste, and I don’t miss the way Graves’s eyes zero in on my hair tie-clad wrist.

Take a long, hard look, motherfucker.

I set the bag of chips down in front of Berkley, smirking when she looks up at me. “But since it's your fave, I’ll share.”

The look in her eyes tells me, if we were alone, she would give me a piece of her mind, but she’s treading lightly with Carter and me in close proximity.

“Thank you,” she mumbles.

“You guys enjoy the rest of your lunch,” Graham, ever the peacemaker, says, squeezing my shoulder.

Only because I don’t want to piss her off more, I relent.

“Have a good day, BB.” I wink and follow Graham back across the courtyard.

A few hours later

BB

Your little stunt at lunch wasn’t necessary.

Me

What? I was just being sweet. Did you enjoy the chips?

BB

Yes, thank you, but I’m serious. I told you I needed time.

Me

I’m trying, BB.

BB

I am too.

Sixteen

Carter

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