Say When - Micalea Smeltzer Page 0,82

keeping Hayden a secret from her, but what else can I do? Molly might have discovered a bit of a rebellious streak when it comes to Jake, but I know she wouldn’t feel the same about me with Hayden. “Just staying on top of my school stuff and working for Rachelle.”

“That’s it?” She frowns, seeming truly hurt by the idea that it’s all I have, which I guess it does sound rather pathetic.

“There’s not much time for anything else,” I lie.

I’m getting a little too good about lying and I don’t like it.

“Hmm,” she hums, gathering her legs beneath her. “Maybe you should try going out with one of Jake’s friends? There are a few who are really nice that I could see you with.”

“Uh, I’m not really interested right now. I just want to focus on school and saving money. Figure out my next step.”

“But one date wouldn’t hurt, right? Ooh! We could even make it a double date if that would make you feel more comfortable.”

She fumbles for her phone, no doubt readying herself to text Jake and make plans. I grab her hands, halting her progress. “Molls, I appreciate the gesture. I really do. But I’m not interested.”

“Oh. All right.”

“There is someone I like,” I admit, wanting to give her a small kernel. “I’m just taking it slow.”

And by taking it slow that obviously includes making an appointment with my professor just so he can fuck me on his desk.

She brightens at my confession. “Who? Tell me!”

“Not yet.” Her face falls at that. “There’s no point in talking about it until things are certain.”

“But … we’re best friends.” She flinches, her eyes pooling with unshed tears. “Though I’ve been the shittiest friend ever this year, so I understand if you don’t want to tell me. It’s okay.” She gets up, heading down the hall, but I call after her. She pauses, turning around. “Don’t worry about it, Emmie. I’m going to take a shower. I smell like beer and sex.” She wrinkles her nose. “Do you want to go to the mall?”

“You’re not going home?” Surprise colors my words.

“No, I told my mom I had a study group. I just left out the part where I was studying Jake’s penis.” She giggles and then we both burst into uncontrollable laughter, and I know without a doubt, even though our friendship has been rocky this year, it’s going to be okay.

Both Molly and I have spent more money than either of us should have on unnecessary items like clothes and shoes. She even got a new purse.

Weighed down by the bags, we head up to the third-floor food court. Spotting an empty table, we claim it, both letting out a relieved sigh when we no longer have to carry the heavy bags.

“Do you know what you want?” Molly asks, looking around at all the choices.

“Not yet. You?” She nods, eyeing the pizza place down the way. “You go ahead then, and I’ll sit with our stuff.”

“Are you sure?”

“Go,” I laugh, waving her away.

While she’s gone, I check my phone, unable to help my smile when I find a text waiting from Hayden.

Hayden: How’s the shopping going?

Me: A little too good.

Hayden: I’m glad you’re having fun.

Me: Getting any work done today?

Hayden: A little bit.

Me: I’m really glad you’re writing.

Hayden: Me too. It’s all thanks to you.

I’m grinning like a fool at my phone when Molly returns, sliding a tray onto the table with two slices of pizza. “Ooh, what’s the smile for? You look so giddy. Talking to a hot guy?”

“It’s nothing.” I hastily put my phone away, unable to miss her crestfallen expression at my non-answer. I hate keeping secrets from her, but I have no choice. “I’ll be right back.”

I eye a few different food places before settling on Chinese. You can’t go wrong with that.

With enough food to feed three people I head back to the table and find Molly nibbling on a piece of crust.

“Why won’t you tell me who you’re talking to?” She blurts it out there before my butt has even touched the seat.

I sigh, glaring at my food. I’m starving but if we’re going to have this conversation something tells me my appetite will take a hike and say see you later. “It’s complicated, Molls. I don’t even know where to begin.”

“What about his name? Can I at least get that?” My face pinches and she rolls her eyes. “Not even his name?”

“Like I said, it’s complicated. He’s … older than me.”

Her