Page 110 of Wild Ever After
I don’t know how long we work out. The guys all seem to be waiting for me to call it. That’s not likely. I want to go back into Ash’s living room so tired and weak, it isn’t possible for me to leave.
Everly is the distraction that finally stops us. She and Grace pull into the driveway in front of the garage. As soon as I see Everly’s face, I turn and glare at Ty. “You told Ev?”
He looks slightly embarrassed as he says, “I thought you might want someone to talk to.”
“He has us,” Ash says.
“Someone who knows what girls are thinking,” Ty says, then looks at Leo. “And someone more impartial than Scarlett and Piper.”
“Big Sato,” Ev says, stepping out of her car and closing the door.
“Hey, Little Sharpie.”
She walks through the garage, Grace on her heels, and comes straight to me.
“How are you?” she asks, hugging me quick, then pulling back and searching my face. “Never mind. I know the answer to that. I’m sorry.”
“Thanks.” I don’t want sympathy. That means they all think it’s really over and I haven’t quite accepted that yet.
“Anyone hungry?” Ash asks.
We go inside and while the guys and Grace linger in the kitchen, Everly and I go into the living room.
“How’s school?” I ask her.
“Good.” I get a genuine smile out of her. “I’m a straight A student. Proud?”
“Always,” I say. “Having any fun?”
“Yes.” She laughs lightly. “Grace and I are going to tailgate this afternoon before the football game.”
“Be careful.”
Her laugh gets louder.
“Just when I think you’re cool, you break into big brother mode.”
“Can’t help it. I remember being an eighteen-year-old boy.”
“I know they’re all trash.”
That makes me chuckle. “Good. They are. But still, be careful. Text one of us if you need anything.”
“I’ll be fine. Don’t worry so much.” She bumps her shoulder against mine. “Want to talk about Jade?”
“Not really,” I admit.
“All right. Let’s talk about you then.”
I shake my head at her, but Ev isn’t that easily discouraged.
“Okay, let’s start small. How long are you planning on crashing on Ash’s couch and not showering?” She sniffs my shoulder and makes a face of disgust.
“I don’t stink.” I drop my face to my chest. “Okay, fine, I do, but it’s only because we just worked out. I showered this morning.”
“Maybe you should go to your house and shower now.” She sits forward like she’s going to get up.
“No. Not yet.”
