Page 44 of As They Are
“Wait, no!” I said, holding up my hands. “I’ve only talked to her a few times.”
“Afew?”Kerry said. “That’s more than me.”
“I haven’t even been able to say hello,” Jade added.
“Is there something you wanna tell us?” Kerry asked.
“Nope!” I needed to stop this andfast. “Nothing!”
“This is your chance to swoop in and save her!” Kerry said.
“Wren doesnotneed saving,” I said. “And what she’s told me about Jude stays between me and her.”
Kerry’s eyes went wide, and I knew I’d made a mistake. “She’s told you things?”
“Now you’ve done it,” Jade said with a smile.
“No, it’s nothing like that. And she’s way out of my league anyway.”
“What?” Kerry rolled her eyes. “You can’t really think that.”
Jade counted on her fingers as she spoke. “One, you have a good job. Two, you care about others. Three, you’re emotionally available. Do you know how hot that is for most women? She would be a fool not to go for you.”
“You’re so sweet, Jade,” Kerry cooed. “It’s too bad you stopped dating people in town after Gabriel.”
Jade rolled her eyes. “Really?”
“Is it still a sore subject?”
Jade shook her head. “Why are we talking about this? We’re trying to convince Henry to make a move.”
“I’m not making a move. There’snothinggoing on.”
There was the sound of a rumbling truck, and I turned to see a red one pulling up.
Wren’s hair was visible through the windshield. She parked and leaned out the window.
“Henry!” she called. “I need to talk to you!”
“Look at thetiming.” Jade snickered.
“It’s like it was meant to be.”
I gave them a flat look. I liked it better when they were arguing.
“Wren,” I greeted as she jogged up to me. I tried to think of something normal and definitely not flirty to say. “You’re in a good mood.”
“You’re gonna be in one too when you hear what I have to say.” She winked at me.
That . . . didn’t help.
“Sorry to interrupt this cute moment,” Jade said, clearing her throat. “But I at least have to introduce myself. I’m Jade.”
Wren finally realized we weren’t alone and she looked behind me. “Oh! Sorry. I didn’t even notice Henry was talking to someone. I’m Wren.”
“It’s so nice to finally meet Mollie’s best friend. I’ve heard so much about you since she and I started hanging out.”
Wren blinked. “You guys hang out?”
