Page 28 of Don't Puck His Best Friend
I save the contact, no intention of texting tonight—she’s probably enjoying her night, and I’m definitely not sober enough to craft a message that doesn’t sound like it was written by a drunk college student at a party.
But maybe later.
“Yes!” Maddie announces, throwing her hands up in the air.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” I warn. “I haven’t even texted her yet.”
“But you will.”
Before I can respond, Liam appears beside us, looking restless in that way that usually means he’s about to leave early. “I’m heading out,” he says, smacking my back in goodbye. “See you tomorrow.”
“Later,” I call as he disappears into the crowd.
Maddie giggles, watching him go. “I wonder where he’s going. It’s a shame he’s got that whole ‘commitment-phobic player’ thing going on.”
The next morning, I’m up early, letting Rex out into the backyard while I nurse my first cup of coffee. The house is quiet—Finn’s still asleep, and the neighborhood hasn’t quite come alive yet.
I grab a trash bag and clean up the yard, picking up the sticks and leaves that accumulated during the week. It’s mindless work, but there’s something satisfying about it. After that, I run the vacuum through the living room, straighten the throw pillows, and wipe down the kitchen counters.
It’s my version of a Sunday reset. My space feels better when it’s in order, and I function better when everything has its place.
I’m just finishing up when my phone buzzes with a call from Sirus.
“You hook up with Maddie yet?” I say as soon as I answer, just to mess with him.
Sirus groans. “No, man. We’re just... hanging out. Taking it slow.”
“Uh-huh.” I smirk, unconvinced. “Since when do you take anything slow?”
“Since I actually like this one and don’t want to screw it up.” There’s a pause. “Speaking of screwing things up, you know anything about where Liam went last night? Who’s the girl?”
I lean against the kitchen counter, curious. “I don’t know a thing. Why?”
“Fuck,” he mutters.
“What?”
Sirus sighs. “I’m worried he’s seeing my sister again.”
“You think?” I question along with him, but as the thoughts continue swirl, I say, “Nah, Sirus. There’s no way it’s your sister.”
“How do you know?”
“I can tell this is a new one.”
“I don’t know. He’s being weird, man. I’m––”
“Ask your sister.”
Sirus laughs. “Can’t do that without starting a world war in the fam.”
“Shit, well… I’ll ask him. He’ll tell me.”
“Thanks. I just… I can’t have him hooking up with her again.”
“Understood, brother. I got your back.”
“Over Liam’s?”
