“I don’t think your roommate likes me very much,” Elias comments, with a hint of humor.
“He doesn’t really like anyone.It’s not just you.He can be…a lot to deal with sometimes.”I try to laugh it off, finishing with my shoes and standing up.
“You ready to go?”I ask.
“Yeah, sure.”Elias gives me a reassuring smile as we head down the hall.I hear the front door close softly behind us, confirming that Fox has left, probably to blow off some steam.
Yeah, he always does this.Run off each time we argue.
Elias’s familiar car is parked in the lot, and once inside, I turn on the radio to break the silence.After a few minutes, Elias glances over at me.“Is there…something going on between the two of you?”
“Fox?”
“Fox, huh?”
I sigh, looking out the window.The last thing I want to talk about with the boy I sort of like is Fox.We may live in the same apartment, but I’m done with his bullshit.I know it’s going to be hard but I’m not going to entertain his curiosity anymore.
“Yeah,” he says, giving me a curious look.“I mean, I didn’t even realize he was your roommate.I thought you two were together when I saw you at the party.”
I snort.“Not even close.He’s just… Fox.”
“So, just a friend?”he asks with a small, knowing smile.
I sigh, looking out the window again, hoping that’ll be enough to signal I don’t want to talk about Fox.“We’re not a thing if that’s what you’re asking.He just…gets under my skin.”
“And it’s pretty clear he likes you,” Elias adds, sounding casual but also slightly amused.
“I didn’t say that.”
“You don’t have to.It’s written all over his face.He might not realize it, but he’s got that ‘I’m into you but won’t admit it’ energy.”
I laugh, maybe too bitterly.Fox Wilder is like a player on a field—always in control, never tied down.So, why am I so hooked?
“Let’s just say I don’t want to talk about him.”
“Fair enough.”Elias nods, respecting my choice.My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I glance down to see a text from Landon.
LANDON:Hey you, lover boy.Already at your date?
I smirk, typing back.
ME:Yes, and you’re intruding.Don’t you have Andrew to keep you busy?
LANDON:How dare you?You think I’m a sex freak, huh?You just hurt my feelings, sweetheart.
Elias notices me chuckling and gives me a curious glance.“What’s so funny?”
“Oh, just my friend Landon,” I say with a smile.
Elias nods, seeming relieved.“Just so you know, if you’re not feeling this, you can tell me.No hard feelings.”
I look at him, surprised.“No, I really do want to be here.”And maybe I need this, just to remind myself that Fox doesn’t control me.
A new text from Landon buzzes.
LANDON:Don’t you dare ignore me, mister.
I laugh, quickly typing a response.
