Page 92 of Crave Thy Neighbor

“I do.”

But, fuck, my words are lacking conviction even to my own ears.

I ignore it.

“I appreciate the concern,” I tell him, “but we got this.”

His eyes tell me he doesn’t believe me, but he nods anyway. “All right.”

The girls make their way back over, and the tension between the four of us is thick.

“Well, we’re gonna head out, continue our chair search,” Caroline says. “Nice to see you again, Nolan.” She gives her friend a small smile. “See you tomorrow, Maya.”

We wave goodbye, then fall back onto the couch, exhausted.

And worried.

And confused as fuck.

“So, what do we think?” The saleswoman reappears and beams down at us. “Is this one the winner?”

I glance over at Maya, and she nods almost imperceptibly.

“Load ’er up, Lauretta. We’ll take it.”

15

Maya

I steel myself as I pull open the door to Making Waves and step into the quiet boutique. We’re scheduled to open in fifteen minutes, but I wanted to make sure I came in early so I could talk with River.

I’ve spent the last twenty-four hours worried about Caroline catching us at the furniture store. She promised me she wouldn’t say anything to River before I could, and I promised I’d tell her today.

So, here I am, three coffees in hand, ready to tell my best friend I’m sleeping with her boyfriend’s best friend after she warned me not to.

Caroline lifts her head from where she’s standing at the register, likely going over the sketches in her notebook.

“Morning,” she says as I set the coffees down in front of her. She reaches for the smallest cup, popping the lid off to help it cool down. I don’t tell her it’s probably fine since I spent the last ten minutes standing outside trying not to freak out over the email I woke up to.

The apartment I’m waiting on will be ready sooner than expected. Sam and I can move in the weekend before his birthday if we’re ready.

That’s just two weeks away.

I’m ready to move into my own place. I want a space that’s just for me and Sam.

But, if I’m being honest with myself, I’m going to miss Nolan.

And I’m not sure I’m ready to face that truth.

“How was your Saturday off?” Caroline asks.

I give her a look, and she smothers a laugh with her hand.

“Oh, good, you’re here!” River claps her hands, skipping out of the back office like the psychotic morning person she is. “And you brought coffee.”

I hold up a baggie. “And treats.”

“You’re the best.” She smacks a kiss to my cheek and snatches the bag away, digging into the delicious baked goods. She takes a healthy bite of a blueberry muffin, then wipes her mouth on the back of her hand. “So, I heard you went furniture shopping with Nolan yesterday.”

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