Page 49 of Class Clown

He thought about that and I watched as he tapped his fingers on one hip. “This conversation has gone sideways. I’m not even sure what we’re talking about.”

I reached out and patted his shoulder without thinking first. The solid heat of him under my palm gave rise to another zing and I was quick to pull my hand back. I cleared my throat and smacked my lips.

“Well, I think the takeaway is that Gina likes you. If you like her back, you’ll have to figure out how to live your love in secret. If you don’t like her back, you’re going to have to talk to her. Personally, I would have chosen Kristy for you. I’m pretty sure you and I finally cleared the air after many years, and can actually be friends now. Sound good?”

He shook his head. “What do you mean, you’d have chosen Kristy for me?”

“As your official matchmaker, I’d suggest you focus on her. She’s your best bet.”

“Matchmaker?”

I pulled a face at him. “It’s a service I provide.”

“What if I don’t want that service?”

“The ball is rolling, Nico. I can’t stop it.” I stepped into my shorts and then my tank as he gaped at me. “We did some good work here today. This friendship is going to be a solid one, I think.”

He shook his head. “This conversation was more convoluted than most of the military maneuvers I was involved in.”

The sound of a UTV caught my attention and I turned to wave at Cole who was driving one toward us. I was ready to get back to the health center, and he could take me there. I toed on my shoes, snagged my towel, and threw Nico a smile as I walked to where Cole had stopped.

“See you around, soldier.”

Chapter 13

Ruby’s Truth: Too much sass will give you a cold.

Saturday afternoon found me wrapped in a blanket in Cole’s office with a stack of tissues, slightly mentally compromised by cold meds, texting my friends. I was wearing a pair of flannel pajamas with my hair pulled up into such a messy bun that it resembled tangled yarn plopped on my head.

I needed my besties.

Update: Gina loves Nico. Nico does not love Gina. Gina kissed Nico on the cheek and I got mad because Nico keeps giving me tingles. I told Nico that I know he used to hate me. I’m now sick with a cold, and my stalker is not going anywhere. Which congressman can I write to about these issues?

Meredith: How many shots of cold medicine did you take before sending this?

Aryn: I’m guessing at least three. The bottle lies to be safe, but you can totally take more. Ruby’s a nurse, she knows this.

Lizzie: Stalker???

Hailey: You’re still getting tingles?

Meredith: A congressperson will not care about these issues. I suggest a hit man.

Meredith: Scratch that, my boyfriend says typing that even in text form can get me in trouble. I’d suggest you all date a lawyer.

Lizzie: I repeat – stalker??

Aryn: The stalker is a porcupine. We talked about it in that group call a while back.

Lizzie: Shoot. I was hoping it had upgraded to human.

Me: You want me to be stalked?

Lizzie: Don’t *you* want you to be stalked?

Me: (thinking emoji) Actually, yes.

Hailey: Back to the tingles . . .

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