Page 74 of Fragile Hearts

There’s a moment of silence before Eli blurts out, “Oh my fucking god, finally!”

I laugh, fully expecting this reaction from him, because just like all my friends, my cousin is also well aware of my crush on Sloane.

“Yep,” I say.

“So what, how’d that all happen?” he asks.

I fill him in on how Sloane and Daisy got evicted from their place after the owner sold it to some developers and how I offered Sloane a place to stay since we had the space and she had nowhere else to go.

“And then what, you charmed her into your bed?” he teases.

“Nah man, she just gave me a chance finally,” I reply, as my phone pings with the sound of an incoming text. I glance at the screen and see Sloane’s name.

“Well, that’s awesome, dude, I’m really happy for you,” Eli says.

“Thanks, and you know, you can come back anytime,” I tell him. “Your bedroom is still available.”

Eli laughs. “What, and listen to you two go at it all night? No fucking thank you.”

“Whatever,” I say. “Anyway, I gotta go. Sloane just messaged me, talk?—”

“God, pussy whipped already,” he teases. “But yeah, no worries. The boys and I are going out to celebrate. It’s all good. Talk soon.”

“Have fun and be good!”

“Ha, never,” Eli says, laughing, before he hangs up.

Smiling, I open the text from Sloane as I walk toward the counter.

* * *

Sloane: My fucking mom is here. Showed up at work.

* * *

I blink, stalling out as I take in her text, unsure if this is a good thing or a bad thing. I know her mom ditched her years ago, and I know Sloane has essentially given up on her, but maybe her showing up again is for a reason. A good one, hopefully.

* * *

Me: Shit ok. How are you feeling about that?

Sloane: Honestly, idk.

Me: Babe, maybe you should talk with he? At least see what she wants?

Me: I mean, only if you want to. I can come over if you need me to.

Sloane: Idk...I told her I’d talk to her after my shift ends.

Me: Want me to come over? I’m just finishing up at Pipe Dream.

Sloane: It’s all good, I’ll handle it.

Me: Ok, text me when you’re done. Love you.

Sloane: Love you too.

* * *

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