Page 157 of We Shouldn't Be Together
I sigh, slumping forward. “It’s not worth it.”
His arms hug around me. “How isn’t it?”
I rest my head on his shoulder. “Please don’t judge me.”
“I’m not,” he’s quick to say. “I just want you to be safe.”
“I’m with you,” I whisper. “I’m safe.”
He rubs a comforting circle on my back and then moves over to his seat as our pizzas arrive.
When the server leaves, I tilt my head, taking in his downhearted demeanor. “Are you okay?”
His hand clenches into a fist and then releases. “I guess. It just pisses me off Camila thinks she got away with it. Maybe I’ll just never understand girls.”
It takes me off guard. “Is that so?”
“With guys, we punch each other in the face and the beef is over.” He shakes his head at the pizza. “With girls, it draws out forever and everything’s so sneaky. No wonder Jamie can’t handle it when they corner her.”
“Speaking of which, I’m kinda surprised she doesn’t fight back. I thought you would’ve given her some pointers by now.”
“She holds her own with the guys. Actually, she wins most of the battles.”
I left out a whisper of a laugh. “That explains how she went off on Freddy.”
Kai’s eyebrow arches. “She did?”
“Yeah, like we couldn’t watch a soccer game because he plays football.”
Kai jerks in his seat with a dubious expression. “Jamie said that?”
I wave it off. “Basically. Anyway, I’ve never seen her talk like that. She stood up for herself, which never happens in the locker room.”
Kai rubs his temple. “I don’t know why, but she can’t handle herself around girls.”
I bite down until my jaw hurts. “That’s why she’s such an easy target.”
He catches my eye and mumbles, “Mm-hmm.”
“I’m sorry.”
“As if you have to be sorry. I remember what you did when you took the heat for her. Even though she didn’t get it, I sure as heck appreciate it.”
“Thanks. I just didn’t want to be that girl again. Plus, I wanted to prove to you I can change.”
“I’m sorry I took Jamie’s word that you were teasing her.”
“She’s your friend, Kai. Why wouldn’t you believe her?”
An easy and relieved smile curls his lips as he lifts a slice of pizza.
This should be a euphoric moment, but I can’t help letting something ugly pull at me from the pit of my stomach. The black ooze of jealousy. He’ll always have Jamie’s back. If Jamie finds out about us, and she makes him choose, I can’t see myself winning.
Does Jamie have his heart?
Does he love her?
“Tabby, what is it?”
