Sebastian gives me a hard look for some reason. “Good thing your girlfriend is looking out for you.”
My insides twist like I’ve been knifed by this falsehood. I can’t even take a drink of my coffee because I’m nauseous.
Worse? Vanessa beams at him like we’re actually still dating.
Am I going crazy? Did Vanessa and I not have a conversation two nights ago where we parted ways amicably? Why is she here playing the devoted girlfriend all of a sudden?
I open my mouth to correct Sebastian and clarify things for Vanessa when my parents and several members of the bridal party join us on the terrace.
I scan the group, eager to see Magnolia and tell her what’s going on with my situation. Use that as the opportunity to show Vanessa that I’ve moved on. Instead, I spot Greg, who gives me a head nod. I follow him off to the side.
“Hey, man.” His voice lowers. “Saw Maggie on the way out this morning. She looked pretty upset.”
Oh, shit. Did she leave? Jesus Christ, I’ve messed this up already.
He smirks. “She gave me a message for you.”
My stomach sinks. This can’t be good.
He smacks me on the back, and his smile turns brittle. “She said you should go to hell.”
* * *
Pacing my small bedroom back in Heartland, I can’t believe I’m resorting to this—taking advice from my roommate Johnny. But Ben and Sienna are out of town, my sister is on her honeymoon, and it’s not like I can get advice about this from Sebastian.
“You’re so fucked, man,” Johnny says.
I freeze with my phone next to my ear. My life must be car-wreck level devastation for him to say those words. “You’re supposed to be my wingman. Why would you say that?”
“Were you really planning to tell the AD’s daughter that you’re now sleeping with Bash’s little sister? Are you insane? One word to her father, and he could zap your scholarship into oblivion.” He takes a big puff of what I’m guessing is a fat joint and in his stoner voice says, “Gotta play that shit cool, bro. No need to wreck your career over a woman.”
On one hand, he makes sense. Maggie and I are barely a blip on the map. It was one night. One scorchingly hot night.
On the other, this is fucking Magnolia Morales we’re talking about. Now that I’ve had a taste of her, I don’t think I can get her out of my system. I’m not sure I want to.
Furthermore, I’m not the kind of man who can date another woman simply because her father might negatively affect my career if I don’t go out with his daughter. I try to have integrity. It’s why I broke up with Amelia last fall.
“Keep shit in player mode,” Johnny continues. “No need to lock yourself down. You’re young. Be free. No one would fault you for keeping your options open.”
I frown. I could never do that. It’s like he doesn’t even know me.
“And you haven’t heard from Maggie?” he asks on another puff.
“Shouldn’t you lay off the weed?”
“I waited until the combine was over. Now I’m giving myself two days to get high and get laid. Then it’s back to training. You know the drill. Besides, it’s spring break. Gotta live a little. All work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy.”
It’s his life. And as I’ve learned, Johnny likes to learn things the hard way. “I’ve left Maggie a million messages. She doesn’t pick up when I call and doesn’t text back. Leaves me on read.”
“Brutal.”
Thank you. Finally, some sympathy.
I scrub my face. “I actually girded my balls and asked Sebastian for her number. He patted me on the back and told me I was a good friend. Like I’m doing him some big favor being friendly with Maggie. I felt like such an ass.”
“No doubt.” Why am I having a heart-to-heart with Johnny? He’s terrible at this. “Want my advice?”
Why else would I be calling you, dude?
