“Right, so how did Jett Wilson get your number?” Jade demanded, her hands on her hips as she lifted her toes back and forth to dry them.
“Because he asked for it,” I deadpanned.
“Don’t be a dick. Where did you see him?”
I sighed, not wanting to go into the excruciating detail that I knew Jade would desire, so I shortened it. Mainly, I left out the fact I had gone to a party with Leah, my rebellious friend who Jade despised, and met him there. I also left out the fact I thought he was indescribably hot.
“So, I saw him at the store, and he just started talking to me—”
“Bullshit. Where did you really meet him?”
“Ihatehaving you as a best friend,” I whined.
“No, you don’t.’”
We grinned at each other as my phone rang, my heart jumping in my mouth when I saw it was Gabe. I answered neutrally, not wanting to draw attention to the fact my brother’s best friend was calling me.
“Hello?”
His voice sounded tired, but he was as charming as always. “Hey, Summer. I’m sorry to call you. I wondered if you knew where Cale was? I’ve tried calling him, but his phone is off.”
I sighed, then grimaced. “You know the drill. If his phone is off—”
“Yeah, yeah. He’s busy with a girl, I know. Alright, no worries.”
He seemed to hesitate, and I waited until he cleared his throat.
“You okay?” he asked finally.
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” I retorted, falling back onto one of Jade’s many pillows.
“Well, after today, you know. In the hall. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to upset you when I grabbed you—”
“You did what you thought was best,” I interrupted him, saving him from apologizing further.
“Yeah, because if he had hit you, then shit would have gone down.” His voice sounded dark and serious, and I wondered if he meant him or Caleb. “Um, Summer, what you said about me wanting to get into your pants…”
I giggled then, remembering the way his face flushed as my brother stared at him.
“I honestly don’t.”
I wasn’t sure how I felt about that, so I just nodded until I realized he couldn’t see that. “Okay.”
“Okay? You know, you’re my best friend’s little sister—”
“By four minutes. I’m just his sister,” I protested as he groaned with frustration.
“Are you always like this on the phone? Geez. Anyway, don’t interrupt me,” he commanded, and I smiled to myself as I imagined him getting cross.
“So, I’m your best friend’ssister, yeah, carry on,” I teased as Jade cocked an eyebrow in my direction. Curiosity was written all over her face.
“Yeah, so, you know, respect the bro code and all that shit. I justwouldn’t. I don’t see you like that. I hope I haven’t ever given you the wrong idea,” Gabe mumbled.
I released a breath I didn’t know I was holding, forcing a smile on my face.
“Of course. My bad. Sorry.”
“Nah, it’s cool. We’re good, right?”
