Chapter 28
twenty-eight
EZRA
I keep stealing glances at Jo. I can’t figure out what her game is, but there has to be one, right?
She can’t suddenly want to get along? I didn’t hit her in the head; otherwise, I would be concerned she had some brain damage.
She doesn’t seem to notice me staring at her.
Her attention is completely focused on the screen.
“So that guy is a mechanic, and the other one is an EMT, but the mechanic’s brother is also the boyfriend of the EMT’s roommate.”
“What?” I say, turning back to the screen to see two men making out on the hood of a car.
“Well, this is the second movie, and I thought you might be confused about the relationships between the characters,” she explains, looking at me.
“I’m definitely confused about a relationship,” I mutter. Jo laughs, clearly having heard me. Pausing the movie, she adjusts herself so she can face me fully.
“Look, we can’t keep ignoring each other or being at each other’s throats because of Maverick.
We both care for him, and we both know he’s a grown ass man who can make grown ass choices.
Nothing we say or do to each other is going to change that.
We can at least get along while we’re stuck together and in any future moments we’re graced with each other’s company. ”
“That’s very . . . pragmatic of you,” I say slowly, like I don’t quite believe her.
She’s right, though, and I hate it. Maverick can make his own choices, and no matter how much Jo and I bicker or are cold towards each other is going to change that.
If anything, it’s going to make things more difficult for him in the future.
“Truce?” she asks, holding out her hand expectantly.
I take a deep breath and nod. “Truce.” Her hand is warm and firm in my own, like someone who learned at an early age to assert their competence via handshake.
“Wanna take a deep dive into our traumas or keep watching the movie?” she asks, smirking.
I laugh. I can’t help it. Jo is so honest and genuine it’s refreshing.
I know she’s joking, but I also know that if I decided I wanted to have a heartfelt conversation with her, she would immediately be up for it.
It’s nice feeling like I have something close to friendship with her since she’s the only one I have to talk to, other than my dad and Jasper, but they’re both busy and far away. She’s here, and she’s offering.
“Movie,” I say. “We can talk about how you’ve not once asked me to contact your parents to let them know you’re okay at a different time.” I smile, thinking I’ve got her.
Jo side-eyes me and smiles. “I’d love to, right after we discuss your mother.” My smile drops. I should’ve known better. This woman doesn’t miss a thing.
Jo just laughs and plays the movie. We watch the rest of it in companionable silence. This newly formed friendship will last about as long as it takes for me to win back Maverick. Because there’s no way in hell I’m letting her keep him.