Page 32 of Matched

“You should go. I think she really likes you. And you like her, don’t you? You seem to get on. I—I don’t have a problem with it,” I rushed out.

“Right.” He stared down at his screen, still chewing on his fucking lip, before he lifted his head. His gaze slid to mine. “Are you sure I should meet up with her? You don’t have a problem with that?” He exhaled shakily. “Is there any reason I shouldn’t go?”

I swallowed hard. “No. No, you should go. I’ve—I’ve got a date myself, too. Jonas persuaded me to give the app one last go. Third time lucky, right?” Forcing an unconvincing laugh, I added, “If it doesn’t work out, I’ll use my tried and tested method of going to a bar and catching a hot girl’s eye.”

Charlie’s mouth set in a flat line as he nodded briskly. Pausing the documentary, he quickly tapped out a message on his phone and then threw it down on the bed next to him. “Done. Looks like I’m going on a date with your sister.”

“Good.” This was Charlie, my friend, and my sister—the most important person in the world to me. I was happy for them. Or I would be, after I got my fucking head sorted out. I needed sleep. Rubbing my hand across my face, I blew out a heavy breath. Charlie was eyeing me cautiously, so I forced myself to continue. “Soph’s great, and the two of you have a lot in common. Just…treat her well, and I won’t have a problem.”

“Of course I will.” He gave me a small smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “C’mon. Let’s finish watching this.”

“Actually. I think I’m gonna go. I’m falling asleep here. I should be in my own bed before that happens.”

“You sure? There’s only ten minutes left.”

“I’m sure.” I needed to get out of here. Away from Charlie.

Climbing off the bed, I shoved my feet into my trainers. When I looked back at Charlie, he was sitting with his shoulders slumped, staring down at his hands.“I guess I’ll see you at the training pitch,” he muttered.

“Yeah.” My fingers curled around the handle of his door. “Bye, Charlie.”

“Bye.”

There was a finality to the way he said that one word. Steeling myself, I opened the door and walked away.

12

Iclosed my message app, then reopened it.

The messages were still the same.

Nate:

Hope your date with Soph goes well tonight. Tip: don’t ask her about the time she was sixth form prom queen. She won’t shut up

That was a joke. If you need a good conversation starter, ask her about the time she had to chase a goat off the pitch when she was playing football

Me:

A goat? WTF?

Nate:

Don’t ask. Or do but ask her not me. You’re welcome. Have fun

Me:

You sure you’re ok with this?

Nate:

I already told you I was. Why wouldn’t I be? I spoke to Sophie and she’s really excited. So don’t fuck it up

Me:

Ok. Do you have a date from the app yet?

Nate:

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