Page 35 of Forever Cursed

“Want my advice?” she asks gently. “Don’t force anything, but if there’s someone you like, ask them on a date. It’ll be terrifying, but no more than that movie we just saw.”

I can’t help but snicker, and she follows suit.

“One date might turn into two, and that might turn into three, and so on. You can’t let your past determine your future.” Chrissy runs her thumbs along my cheekbones to dry my tears.

I want to askheron a date. I want to see if one date turns into two. I want to see if we become anything more than friends. But my past isn’t the only thing holding me back from that. It’s also my best friend and her brother.

“Don’t worry. I still think you’re cool, Captain.” She messes with my hair and brings a smile to my face.

“Thank you, Chrissy. For everything.”

Her shoulders relax, and her eyes brighten against the midday sun.

“That’s what friends are for. Now, why don’t we go raid the Waylens’ and make Max order us dinner?” Jumping to her feet, she offers me her hand, and I take it.

Friends.Who knew such a simple word could hurt so much...

Chapter Twenty

Chrissy

“Hey, Lawyer Man!” I call as Rome and I stroll into the Waylens’ house, knowing it’s unlocked because I told Gwen to unlock the door for me.

We have an ongoing deal. She keeps the door unlocked whenever I want to crash their house, and I supply her with my company.

It’s a win-win scenario.

“Max!” I continue shouting while peeking into the kitchen.

“Do you just stroll in and start shouting wherever you go?” Rome asks with a chuckle as he leans against the kitchen archway, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Pretty much,” I answer while nodding, noticing the pattern the second Rome brings it up. “Max!”

“Chrissy!” Max hollers from somewhere upstairs.

When I grab his hand and pull him up the staircase, Rome arches his brows in response.

“Where are you, other Waylen?”

“Other Waylen?” Max snickers. “I was the first Waylen, thank you very much.”

I knock on his door. “Housekeeping.” I smirk before opening it.

My face contorts when I see Max lying in his bed with a book in his face and Pickles sprawled on his lap like he’s the sidekick to an evil mastermind.

“Can we help you?” Max asks without looking up from his book.

“Your favorite football star is here.” I grin, knowing that will get his attention.

Max drops his book and beams over at Rome. The two of them started off rocky. I mean, Rome practically raided the fridge and ate all his fancy yogurt the first day they met. Max has a soft spot for him though. I can’t say for certain what it is yet, but I see it.

“What can I do for my two favorite people today?” he asks in a cheerful tone.

“Order us food? Pretty please.” I offer him a wide smile in hopes of winning him over.

“I’m starting to think you only like me for my wallet,” he grumbles.

“You know your life would be boring without me,” I remark.

---