Page 38 of Even Exchange

“It’s not the same,” I argue, rubbing the back of my neck as the tips of my ears burn.

“How the hell not?” Elijah asks.

“We’re just friends!” My tone is clearly defensive, and I lower my voice. “Char doesn’t have a car, and the twins were sad as shit about their spring break. So I offered to take them camping.”

“Don’t youhatecamping?” Elijah reminds me.

“I’m trying to evolve,” I say, with a sarcastic smile.

“Doesn’t Charlie have a boyfriend?” Julian asks.

“Not anymore,” I say, and all three of their heads snap towards me. “But that’s irrelevant. We’re justfriends.”

“Oookay.” Theo huffs a laugh. “And Elijah’s never got his dick stuck in someone.”

“Let itgooooo!” Elijah groans, slapping Theo on the head.

“Listen, you didn’t hear the way her brother sounded about having nothing to do for spring break.” Another pang hits my chest. “We can go to Daytona anytime. I’d feel like shit knowing I’m there having a good time while he’s sitting at home, doing nothing.”

“Mm-hmm.” Theo narrows his eyes at me. “You’re doing this for herbrother. Sure.”

“Fuck off.” I flick a bit of sand his way with my foot. “I’ll make it up to you guys.”

“You better,” Theo says, chucking a football at me that I catch with one hand while downing my beer with the other. “You’re gonna be a big rich NFL player next year. You can whisk your boys off on a fancy weekend getaway to make it up to us.”

“I promise to send you all a dozen roses for your trouble.” I stand up, sand trickling off me, football in hand, and the boys follow my lead.

“I’ll be waiting,” Elijah says, shuffling backwards, and I launch the ball to him.

The second it’s out of my possession, my gaze drifts to Charlotte spinning around by the water’s edge. Her eyes lock with mine, and she stumbles to a pause. My lips curve up in response, and her jaw drops as my head is pelted with a football.

“Oww?!” I place my hand against it, looking around for the culprit.

Theo is keeled over in laughter with his hands on his knees.

“Dude.” Elijah shakes his head. “You are so fucked.”

8

CHARLOTTE

I sit in the passenger seat of Noah’s truck, an anxious freaking mess, trying my damndest to put on my “I’m totally chill” face.

It’s been a week since his offer to take my siblings camping, and I’m still shocked by it. What guy chooses six-year-olds over partying with their friends?Jonathan certainly never did.

Not to mention, considering I had a boyfriend until two weeks ago, the times we’ve spent alone can be counted on a single hand. My phone buzzes in my lap, and I’m thankful for the distraction.

SUSHI & SHIT-TALKING

ANDI

Why are there five types of pie in the kitchen

STELLA

Baby cakes, were you stress baking again?

I grin at the nickname I earned from frequently whipping up some type of sweet treat.Especiallywhen I’m stressed.

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