Page 123 of The Friend Situation

The high-rise building contrasts with the deepening purple hues of the evening sky.

I check my text messages, acutely aware that the items I ordered have been delivered to the front desk.

Easton and I step out, entering a flurry of flashing cameras.

“Just smile,” I tell him, chuckling at the absurdity of our situation.

He shakes his head. A mix of humor and annoyance plays across his face. “We’re notthatinteresting.”

“Eh, speak for yourself,” I reply, throwing him a wink.

“Do you want to ride together tonight?” he asks, his voice cutting through the chatter of the crowd.

“That would be great. I’ll let you know if Carlee is available since Lexi will only attend if she’s going to be there. One second,” I add, waving at the building manager, who is just within earshot.

“Mr. Calloway, I have the items you had delivered,” she says, handing me a crisp garment bag and a box wrapped in shimmering paper.

Easton and I step into the elevator together, the hum of classical music surrounding us. He glances at the items in my hands, curiosity lighting up his expression.

“Gifts? I know what that means.” His brow quirks upward. “If I haven’t mentioned it before, I support this relationship. After getting to know her better, I agree that you two would be perfect together. Your personalities complement one another.”

“Thanks. I’ll keep your opinion in mind. I’ll text you with a confirmation if she joins me,” I assure him. “No guarantees though. Carlee has her own life.”

“She’ll be there.” He steps out of the elevator, chuckling to himself. “You’re both so damn transparent.”

“Please kindly fuck off,” I say with a grin as the doors slide shut.

When I’m alone, I suck in a deep breath, the weight of the evening settling on my shoulders. I know I need to play my cards correctly tonight.

I unlock the door to my penthouse, wondering if Carlee is home from work yet. My question is quickly answered when I find her asleep on the couch, resting comfortably, still wearing her work uniform. She looks so damn pretty and peaceful, her chest gently rising and falling with each shallow breath. I could watch her sleep the rest of the evening.

I quietly move closer, setting everything down, and then I kneel beside her. I place my hand on her shoulder, gently brushing my thumb across her arm, almost feeling guilty for waking her.

“Carlee,” I whisper, my voice barely above a breath.

Her eyes open, and she blinks up at me with a smile. “Hi.”

“Hi.” I grin, warmth flooding my chest.

“I must’ve fallen asleep,” she says as she sits up.

Her arms instinctively wrap around my neck, and she hugs me tightly. I hold her close, feeling the whirlwind of heremotions swirling around us—a connection that I cherish and crave.

“What’s going on?” I ask, not letting her go, unease creeping into my thoughts.

“I got fired.” Her voice breaks as she releases a ragged breath that carries the weight of her worries.

She lets me go, and I sit beside her on the couch.

“Do you want to talk about it?” I ask gently.

“I had arrived late because the train had been delayed, the bus wasn’t on time, and it was just a disaster. And I was so fucking tired,” she explains, her voice trembling as frustration spills from her. “My life feels like it’s crashing down around me.”

“I’m so sorry. Do you want me to make a phone call? I can?—”

“No,” she says, breathing out. “My routine was thrown off because I was here, running on little sleep. My apartment isn’t safe, and I’m probably going to have to move. Now, I’m jobless. My best friend no longer has time for me, and I haven’t seen my family in years. Not to mention, my laptop—with a handful of videos, along with my journal—was stolen.” She lets out a huff.

I try to hold back a burst of laughter and fail, the absurdity of the situation bubbling to the surface. I wanted her to quit so we’d have more time together. Instead, she was fired. It’s almost like an invisible force is pushing us together. I wish she’d stop fighting it.

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