Page 57 of You're The One
“Unless you’re okay with the women avoiding you like you have cooties…”
He shrugs and goes back to sipping his drink.
I stir the melting ice in my cup, eyes on the window, letting the question neither of us is ready to answer hang in the air.
NINETEEN
Summer,River, Emma, and Victoria are all gathered around the breakfast nook, sipping coffee and picking at their breakfast. There are eight of us left now, but the five of us have formed the closest bond.
I’m back later than usual and feel like I’ve been caught sneaking in after curfew. Luckily, the crew hasn’t shown up yet.
“Where were you?” River asks without preamble.
“Oh, I just took a walk.”
“You rebel, you,” Victoria singsongs.
“Want coffee?” Summer offers, holding up the pot like it’s sacred. One of the many reasons she’s my ride-or-die in this house.
“I—” I catch myself. Saying no would raise questions. “Yeah. Thanks.” I smile as she pours, even though I know this will probably make my already frayed nerves worse.
“I didn’t realize you were still walking in the mornings.” Summer raises an eyebrow. She’s the only one who’s caught me. I probably shouldn’t have let it slip that it was with Dominic, but I trust her. Even if she’s figured out it’s become a daily thing.
“This is a regular thing? I hadn’t noticed,” River says. “You must be like a mouse.”
“Pretty much.”
“I’m just glad you don’t wake me up,” Victoria mumbles. “You do not want to see me before eight a.m. Only filming makes that borderline acceptable… Still offensive, but, you know. No choice.”
“If you ever want company…” Emma adds softly.
I smile back, but don’t commit. “Yeah, thanks. I’ll let you know.”
I take a sip of the bean-water and immediately miss the coffee shop. And not just for the quality caffeine. If it weren’t for my morning walks with Dom, I’m certain I would’ve already spiraled. As it is, I’m teetering on the edge.
“You know, I kind of like the alone time,” I explain. Which is true enough.
“I get that.” Emma nods. “I feel like I’m gonna need a whole year to recharge my social battery after this.” She takes a bite of toast, then adds with a faint smile, “Hopefully it’s worth it.”
“So, you’re feeling good about everything with Dominic?” I ask, trying to sound casual. Call it curiosity.
The other girls all look at Emma.
“I think so. We’re taking things slow, which I appreciate. He’s going at my speed. We have a good connection, and I think there could be something there. Long term, I think we could work.”
“That’s great to hear,” I encourage, even as something tight lodges in my throat and sinks to the pit of my stomach. Today’s going to be one of those days. I already know it. That’s the only reason I’m this on edge. Has to be.
“How slow are we talking?” Victoria asks. “Are you scared of the kissing curse, too? I feel like if anyone’s safe, it’s you.”
Emma laughs and shakes her head. “No. I’m just weird about intimacy with the cameras around. It doesn’t bother you?”
Victoria shrugs. Summer tilts her head, undecided. River shifts in her chair and pulls one leg up to sit cross-legged.
“But what about feelings?” I ask, maybe a little too bluntly, based on the round table of raised brows.
I probably shouldn’t have said anything. I’m not exactly an expert on feelings. But the way she talks about him… it’s missing something. That raw edge. Real emotion. Passion, maybe?
“They’re growing.” She smiles into her mug and takes a sip.
