My Rebound (On My Own #2) - Carrie Ann Ryan Page 0,46
are best friends.”
“Me, too. Though I haven’t been spending as much time with her lately.” He winced. “I need to do better about that.”
“Is she coming over to study tonight?”
“No, she has a group project again, but I’m going to figure something out. You’re okay if I hang out with her by myself? That’s not an issue?”
I shook my head, surprised that he even asked. “You’re not Sanders. We’ve gone over this.”
“Good, but I still wanted to double-check. She’s my friend, and I want to make sure that I don’t ignore her for other parts of my life.”
“That makes you an excellent friend,” I said softly. “Okay, we’ve been standing out here long enough that I’m cold.”
“I’d offer to warm you up, but sadly, I don’t think that’s in the plans.”
“Sorry,” I teased. “How about you text me when you get home?” I said with a laugh.
“Touché.”
I waved as I walked away, shaking my head.
I didn’t have a problem with Pacey and Nessa being friends. I hadn’t had a problem when Corinne was their friend, either. The three musketeers had been close before I came along. They had grown closer in the short period of time after Elise and Dillon started dating, but they had been together for a while. At least, through college.
I wouldn’t stand in the way of that, even though I knew some other girls might. Pacey just didn’t cheat. Sometimes, he gave too much of himself, but I didn’t think that was on anyone else.
I shook my head, pushing those weird thoughts away. No need to worry about something that I hadn’t been concerned about before.
I drove towards the house and parked in the back, grateful that I didn’t have to park on the street.
I pulled out my phone as I turned off the car.
Me: Just pulled in. I’m safe.
Pacey: Good. I was about to send out the calvary.
Me: I take it Nessa’s home?
Pacey: You’ve got it. See you tonight.
I made my way inside, shucked off my coat and boots, and went to put my things away. We wouldn’t be studying during lunch, although I probably should. However, this afternoon was about roommates and getting to know one another better. The other girls were already in the kitchen as I made my way inside. I smiled.
“You’re here,” Natalie said as she gave me a one-armed hug. “We went with the typical trendy cheeseboard,” she said. “I don’t know if we can call it a true charcuterie because we don’t have the right meat to cheese ratio, but we did add tons of veggies and fruit as we have to be healthy.”
“I’m so glad that adult Lunchables are on trend,” I said, my mouth watering.
“Same,” Nessa said, her eyes bright. “How was class?” she asked.
“I figured Pacey would have told you,” I said with a laugh.
She frowned and shook her head. “He just said to make sure you got home safe. Class sucked, then?”
I nodded. “Pretty much. I’m just really hoping that I don’t end up with this guy as my advisor for my thesis.”
“That would be horrible, from what I remember you saying,” Elise said as she set out four glasses. “I made peach iced tea. I realize it’s winter, but I was craving it, and I made too much. I hope that’s okay.”
“That sounds wonderful.” I looked around. “Is there anything I can do? I’m sorry that I was late.”
“You had the latest class. It’s not your fault,” Natalie said and squeezed my hand. “Now come on, I’m starving.”
“Here, help me carry the plates,” Nessa said as she handed me some.
I smiled and took the stack from her. “That, I can do. And I’ll do whatever dishes are left.”
“Deal,” all three women said at the same time. I laughed.
We sat around the coffee table, each of us sitting on the floor. There were tons of chairs in the room, but this seemed a little more intimate and fun.
Almost like a slumber party without the slumbering.
“When do you have your next appointment?” Natalie asked as she slid some brie onto a cracker.
“On Monday. And then another on Wednesday. And two on Thursday. All of this while dealing with exams. It’s a lot, but I’m going to get it done.”
“And the whole boyfriend thing probably isn’t helping,” Elise added, her eyes twinkling.
“I wouldn’t call Pacey my boyfriend,” I said quickly.
“He’s not?” Nessa asked.
I winced. “We haven’t exactly had that conversation.”
“What kind of conversation have you had?” Elise asked.