When Stars Collide (Light in the Dark #2) - Micalea Smeltzer Page 0,55

the side of my forehead. “Don’t dread it too much. I’ll be there.”

I grin. “Mmm, you shirtless and sweaty. That sounds promising.”

A clatter sends me looking in the other direction. Cade’s pushed his plate away and shoved away from the table. He doesn’t say anything as he stalks out of the room. Rae gives us an apologetic look and shrugs her shoulders.

“He’ll get over it.”

I sigh. I really hope she’s right.

I lost the bet. Thea made it to the gym for a second day, but I’m pretty sure she’s miserable and questioning her life choices.

“This. Is. Too. Fast,” she pants, trying to keep up with the treadmill.

I glance at the number. “You’re only going four miles an hour. I think you’ll survive.”

“Fuck. You.” She gives me the middle finger.

I chuckle and cross my fingers over my chest. I’ve already finished my workout and came over here to cheer—okay, taunt—her on.

“If it’s any consolation, your ass looks great in those shorts.” I bend my head, getting a great look at said ass.

“I’m. Going. To. Punch. You. In. The. Face.”

I chuckle. “Just think about all the McFlurrys you can eat now.”

“Fuck. You. And. Fuck. McFlurrys.” She’s growing even shorter of breath now.

“I’m pretty sure you already said that.” I lean against the rail of the empty treadmill beside her. “Five more minutes.”

“I’m. Going. To. Die.”

“You’re not going to die.” I shake my head. “I kind of like you, so it’s insulting that you think I’d let you die,” I joke. I’m pretty sure she growls but it might’ve just been her trying to breathe. Who knows? “Have you talked to Cade about dinner yet?” It’s Friday night and we’re supposed to be going over to my parents’ house for dinner.

“No. You. Do. It.”

I shake my head. “I tried. He won’t talk to me. He’ll barely even look at me.” I sigh.

More time. He needs more time.

“I’m. Going. To. Kick. Him. In. The. Balls.”

“Settle down, fighter,” I tell her. “He’s coping. He’ll come around.”

This time I know for sure that she does growl.

“He’s. Being. A. Douchebag.”

I can’t really argue with her there. I didn’t expect Cade to throw us a party for this, sure, but I didn’t expect the silent treatment, either. We’re not five. But, on the other hand, I suppose the silence is better than him punching me in the face.

“Two minutes.”

“Ugh,” she groans. “Two. Minutes. Too. Long.”

I laugh. “You can do it.”

The seconds tick by, and when the two minutes are up, Thea immediately stops the treadmill and hops off, leaning over and pressing a hand to the stitch in her side.

“Coming again tomorrow?”

She gives me the finger and stalks off. I think I have my answer.

I roll our rings around the palm of my hand. I asked Thea if she’d wear it if I gave it back and she said yes, but I’ve still yet to return it to her. No moment seemed right, not with Cade moping around giving us sour looks. But I want to give it back to her soon. Maybe even tonight after we tell my parents. Fuck, we need to tell her parents too. I’m sure that’ll go over about as well as telling Cade.

I sigh and place the rings back in my top dresser drawer. We’re supposed to leave for my parents’ place in ten minutes. I spoke with Rae and she convinced Cade to come to the dinner.

My palms sweat.

I already pissed my best friend off by not telling him I was with his sister, so I doubt he’s going to be pleased I kept this a secret too. I pinch the bridge of my nose. I keep fucking everything up, but I’m not doing it on purpose. I’m doing what I think is right, but it’s always wrong in the end.

I force myself to stop thinking about it. I have to let the pieces fall where they may.

I head across my room to the bathroom and make sure my hair is lying flat. My mom hates it when it’s all a mess, and if I don’t have it fixed she’ll start trying to fix it even though I’m twenty-two not twelve. Moms never seem to understand when you’ve grown up. You’re always a baby to them.

When I know that my hair is decent, I open the door that leads to Thea’s room. She sits on her bed, slipping her feet into a pair of shoes. She’s dressed in a short brightly-colored dress and her hair hangs down in its usual loose