Page 68 of Reconciling With the Rival

“Is it now?” I ask as I shake his hand.

“Why yes, Leo, it is.” Hadleigh tells me. “You see, this guy over here had no idea what the book was about and I had to tutor him.”

“Don’t forget the metaphors.” He tells her.

“And the fact that you didn't know the main character's last name.” Ella laughs as she takes another shot.

“Shit, I forgot you guys knew about that,” Grant leans on his walking stick. “Well, who cares. Now, I’m an honorary book club member, so I feel good.”

“Ella, are you really making us do shots before we go out? You know how much I hate tequila…” Hads trails off as she looks at them all laid out on the counter.

For some reason, I feel like I’m part of something with all these people here. I know Ella probably hates it, but me living in her flat has made me a lot closer with her friends. I know Grant and Oliver like me; at least, I think Oliver does. He hasn't said otherwise, but sometimes, I think he’s giving me a weird face.

I’m starting to understand that's just his face unless he’s looking at Paige.

It’s odd—becoming close to a group of people I know won’t speak to me after I move out. Or maybe they will. I don’t knowhow to feel. I don't havemanyfriends over here, or even at home, I guess. I know many people, but I wouldn't consider all of them friends. Only a few people really know me to my core, and that’s just my sister and parents.

“Okay, everyone but Paige and Oliver, take one shot and let’s go,” Alissa says and I hear a few moans and groans as I grab two shots and down them immediately.

I will not go home alone tonight, I say to myself. And maybe that’ll be true, because I need all the distractions I can get right now.

Especially from the girl dressed in orange who hates my fucking guts.

Oh, how I’ve missedleaving the house to go to some sweaty pub with shitty lighting and terrible dancing.

At least there’s alcohol—and the guys, too. I haven't known Grant and Oliver for long, but I find myself enjoying their company. I much prefer them over Ella—who’s currently in the middle of the dance floor with my sister and the other two.

“So, Leo, how is everything going at work with Ella?” Grant practically screams at me.

“It's fine, I guess. Why? What has she told you?”

“Nothing, and it’s driving Grant crazy,” Oliver tells me, sipping his water.

“No! It’s drivingeveryonecrazy. Not only do you two live together, but you also work together.” Grant looks at me. “There’s been nothing going on with you guys?”

I could tell them we had sex the other night, but I don't think that’s something I want to bring up. Plus, I’d be a hypocrite ifI told them. We swore not to tell anyone it happened, and that was fine with me. If other people knew about it, they would think there’s something going on between us.

It was just sex. That’s all it ever is with me. Every girl I take to bed wants one thing and one thing only. It was fine at first, but now, it feels…unfulfilling, and I don't know what to do to counter that feeling.

I don’t see myself in a relationship, but I somehow want something more than a fling.

That’s why I’m in no mood to pick up someone tonight. I thought I would be when I got here, but it’s the furthest thing on my mind now.

Due to her proximity, Ella has been flashing through my mind, and not just because we had sex. No. Her in that skimpy fucking outfit is all I see—except in my mind, those orange socks are wrapped around my head as I get her off.

Jesus. I need to calm down.

“Leo, do you want another?” Grant asks me, and I nod.

“And a shot or two.” I hand him my card. “Or a few more.” I need to stop thinking about Ella fucking Williams immediately.

When it’s Oliver and I at the table, it gets a bit awkward, but I’m surprised when he starts a conversation. “I’m sorry if all the Ella talk makes you uncomfortable. I know you two hate each other.”

“It’s fine, mate.”

“Why do you hate one another? I’ve never gotten a full story.”

I lift my brow at him. “Too afraid to ask?”

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