Page 49 of Problematic Summer Romance

“I’m just saying—you never mentioned having a cousin.”

I let out a small, annoyed laugh. “I do. Second or third degree. I don’t really talk to them.”

“Yeah, well.” She shrugs. “Listen, I don’t want to tell you what to do, but…it’s better for everyone if we move on. I mean, you aren’t so innocent yourself.”

“How so?”

“You and Hot Rich Guy were in touch the whole time. And I don’t blame you—keep your options open. But we can move past the recriminations, no?”

“I think that I’m allowed to be angry at my roommate for banging my ex. And maybe I’m also allowed to be angry at my closest friend for not taking my side more forcefully.”

“I know you think that. It’s because you have significant anger issues.”

My eyes turn to slits. “That is low, Rose.”

“Oh, come on, Maya. She’s mycousin.”

I have to take half a million deep breaths, before I can say, “I get where you’re coming from.” I slide out of the booth, hopping off the elevated platform. “I just wish you tried to do the same.”

I walk away, done with the conversation, letting resentment twist through me. Staying with Rose seems pointless, especially when there’s someone else I’d rather spend time with. Someone who’s not going to lie to my face. Plus, I want something stronger than soda.

At the counter, I lean over to catch the bartender’s attention. Fail, repeatedly, until Conor appears at my side.

“Hey,” he tells the woman. “She’ll have…”

“A shot. Tequila.”

He winces. “I just purchased alcohol for my friend’s underage sister. Brilliant.”

“It’s perfectly legal. I’ve been drinking since I was sixteen, anyway—”

“Didnotneed to know that.”

“—so I built up some really good enzymes.”

A shot slides my way. I down it quickly, feeling Conor’s eyes fixed on my bobbing throat, the heat that starts in my stomach and spreads in all directions.

When I slam the glass on the dark wood, the bartender pours me another.

Conor’s eyebrow rises.

“Shots are smaller here.” I lean against the counter, facing him. “So, do you like my friends?”

“Sure.”

“Sure?”

“Some of them are great. The birthday boy will go far in life.”

“Yeah, Sami’s awesome.”

“But the one in the tracksuit?”

“Jethro.”

“He’s thinking of starting a podcast. And I’m not sure that what he has to say is monetizable.”

“I’m not convinced anyone listens to him for free.” I snort. “Have any of the guys asked you for a loan yet?”

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