Page 22 of False Assumptions

“You don’t need—“

He fixed her with a look that effectively cut off whatever protest she was about to make, his phone in his hands.

She looked away, biting her lip again, seeming almost flustered. But she relented and rattled off her phone number. “I’m sure my friend Alyssa can give me a ride to school though. You don’t need to plan on doing that.”

“Uh-huh. Like she came with you to the hospital?”

“That’s not the same thing.”

He shrugged. “Okay.” And sent her a quick text so she’d have his number too. “Well, either way, I’ll check in with you tomorrow. Have a good night.”

Without giving her a chance to respond, he locked the door handle and pulled it closed behind him. He’d’ve liked to deadbolt it again, but he didn’t have her keys anymore.

Elena gave him a knowing look as he descended the stairs, and quietly started singing, “Evan and Layla, sitting in a tree,” but he chose to ignore her. Whatever she was thinking didn’t matter. Layla barely tolerated him, so any starry ideas Elena had about them dating wouldn’t amount to anything. Elena could think whatever she liked.

Even if he’d enjoyed holding Layla against his chest, having her wrapped around him, massaging her legs, it didn’t make any difference. As soon as their project was done and her ankle was better, she’d go back to ignoring him like she’d done until Dr. Rankin and circumstance had forced them into each other’s company. He knew how things stood. One thing he’d gotten good at since deciding to stay out of everyone’s drama was recognizing reality for what it was.

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