Page 155 of We Shouldn't Be Together
“You’re in luck,” he says, sitting down at our table. “They had exactly three slices of margherita pizza left.”
I grin like the giddy fool I am. “Truly is my lucky day.”
Kai’s hands slide across the table between us, and without further prompting, I reach forward and clasp them. With no need for words, our smiles grow as we stare into each other’s eyes. As I sink further into a lovesick coma, my ears prick to a distinct sound behind me.
The click of heels.
The high pitch of their laughter.
The fast pace of their gossip.
My heart seizes.
Oh crap.
What was I saying about my lucky day?
“Tabby?” Camila calls out behind me.
Kai’s grip tightens, and I watch his jaw flex. In a protective motion, his shoulders turn toward where the girls approach, as if he can shield me from them.
“Well, wonders never cease,” Camila says, her gaze wandering from me to Kai. “I’m just hanging with Yvie until Daddy comes by to pick me up. He’s taking me to see some of his redevelopment projects.”
“Cool,” I mutter, instantly deleting the information from my brain.
“I was wondering why you were ignoring your phone, Tabby.” Camila clicks her tongue, eyeing Kai distastefully. “I was texting you where to meet us, and you never responded. Is this some kind of hostage situation?”
“We’re just getting pizza,” I murmur, my hands growing clammy against Kai’s.
Yvie gasps, standing next to Camila. “Like a date? You two are holding hands!”
“You should become a private eye,” Kai mocks.
Not getting it, Yvie looks at me for clarification. Despite my best judgements, I give her a slight nod.
“I knew it!” Yvie squeals. “You’re first boyfriend, Tabby. You two have to double date with me and Zane.”
“Oh my gosh, Yvie.” Cammy groans, crossing her arms. “No one cares about you and stupid Zane.”
Yvie rears back, chin wobbling. “Zane’s not stupid.”
“But when you constantly talk about him, it is stupid!” Cammy shouts.
Kai sits back, letting out a dry laugh. “Jealous, are we?”
Camila’s glare narrows. “Of my friends’ bad taste? I think not. Ugh, Tabby, what’s wrong with you? Why are you with this creep?”
“He’s not a creep,” I defend. I just wish my voice didn’t crack.
Kai’s thumb rubs against the top of my hand. “It’s okay. Don’t give her the satisfaction.”
“Umm.” Cammy pops a hip. “Don’t tell my friend what to do.”
Kai’s brow furrows. “Excuse me?”
Cammy nudges Yvie. “Do you believe this? Tabitha actually found a guy who tells her what to do. Don’t you feel sorry for her?”
“Totally,” Yvie blurts, desperate to crawl back onto Cammy’s good side. “I give them three days, tops.”
