Page 88 of Don't Love the Boy Next Door
“Good, because we have a long road ahead of us,” I say.
Eric faces the rest of the girls. “Thanks so much for coming, everyone.”
Some of them grumble as they leave.
Eric puffs out his cheeks as he faces our new lead singer. “So how do you feel about learning three original songs?”
Chapter Thirty
Phoenix
I bang my head on Katie’s desk in her room. We’re sitting side by side, trying to come up with some funny content for a new live stream, but our heads are empty. I get that Katie’s bothered about the whole Eric thing, but what’s my excuse?
“Something’s off with you,” Katie says.
“Iknow, but I have no idea what it is. I mean, it’s like there’s something in my brain that’s not letting me think properly.”
She taps her chin. “Okay, so what changed between this live stream and your previous ones?” She turns to me with a raised brow. “Does Ethan Palmer have anything to do with it?”
“What? Heck no! Are we seriously talking about this again?”
She lifts her hands in defense. “You told me nothing happened when I left you at the hospital, but I think you’re lying.”
I grit my teeth. “I still hate you for doing that.”
“You’ll thank me one day.”
I give her a look like she’s lost her mind.
“And don’t think I haven’t heard you tossing and turning the past few nights. You’re losing sleep over him. Youlikehim.”
My mouth drops. “You’re crazy.”
“Oh hey, Ethan,” she says, eyes on the doorway.
I whirl around to the door, my heartrate speeding. But no one’s there.
Katie giggles. “Yep, you totally like him.”
“That was cruel. And you call yourself my best friend?”
She laughs again. “Sorry, but you should just admit you have feelings for him.”
My mouth opens and closes, but nothing comes out. I have no idea what to say, what to think. I mean, I’ve had boyfriendsbefore, but I’ve never been as confused as I am about Ethan Palmer.
“And tell him how you feel,” Katie continues.
I blink at her. “What?”
She shifts on her chair. “You like him and I’m pretty sure he likes you. You had a strong connection online and both of you want that in real life. So why not go for it?”
I continue blinking at her. Me tell Ethan how I feel? But I don’t evenknowhow I feel. Do I?
“I know things didn’t work out between me and Eric, but that doesn’t mean you two shouldn’t try.” She takes my hands. “I want you to be happy, same way you want me to be happy. And I think—no, Iknow—Ethan will make you happy.”
“But he’s a jerk.”
“You know that’s not true. You were so worried about him after his football injury. Youcareabout him. And I saw his face light up when you visited him at the hospital.”
