35. Chapter 35 #3
Am I a horrible person that relief wraps around me like a warm blanket? Probably. “What happened, Lil?”
“I don’t know. I thought I’d finally take my shot with Boss. I mean, I’ve been talking a big game forever, so…”
“Yeah?” I prompt.
“So, I went to AJ’s since Boss usually works Friday nights.”
“Was Boss there?”
“Yeah. They were pretty busy but we… you know, we chatted a little bit and I… I just kind of told him how it was. That I’m attracted to him, that I’ve liked him since high school and stuff.”
“What did he say?”
“He was super nice about it, but, Skye, the moment I started talking I could see in his face it wasn’t going to go anywhere. He just had this look like, he was pitying me.”
“So did he say he didn’t like you back?”
“Not exactly. He just… he said that he’s really busy and he’s not looking for anything right now. That he has different priorities and works a lot.”
All true.
“He said I’m really sweet, but that he just wants to be friends and that he doesn’t want to hurt my feelings.”
I nod to myself. “Aww, Lil, I’m sorry.” Am I really, though? My heart—that traitorous bitch—dances in my chest in a joyous little rhythm.
“Me, too. I think the worst part is that deep down, I always knew I’d never land Boss. Even back in high school. I think it’ll take someone really, really special to capture his heart.”
“Lil, you are special,” I say, meaning it.
“No, I know. I didn’t say that to say I’m not, like, beautiful, or whatever.
I just think… that whoever is gonna end up with Boss, like really ends up with him, must truly be his soul mate because he doesn’t just give himself to people, you know?
Like, emotionally. He has to be earned and, honestly? Good for him.”
I nod, part of me wondering what it would take to “earn” him. For a moment, I try to picture the person who’ll eventually capture his heart. Someone kind. Patient. Someone who makes him laugh. Someone who remembers to ask how he’s doing instead of assuming he’s fine.
A wave of nausea rolls through me before I can take the thought any further. I hate that it does. Boston more than deserves someone who cares for him. Someone who loves him deeply and unconditionally.
Someone who gives more than she takes.
“Anyway, I’ll let you get back to Arch. Maybe I’ll call Pace. Have a rebound hookup,” she says. Though she sounds disappointed at how things turned out with Boston, I’m glad I don’t hear outright devastation in her voice.
I can’t help the giggle. “Oh my gosh, Lil.”
“You don’t think he’d be a willing victim?”
“Oh, I have no doubt Pace would be extremely pleased if you were to proposition him tonight. Just, if you do, make your intentions clear,” I say, laughing.
“Good advice.” She sounds much lighter than even just two minutes ago. “Wouldn’t want you coming home Sunday only to find out Pace and I ran off to get hitched.”
“Oh my god, Lil. Please don’t do anything crazy!”
She laughs. “No promises. Okay, friend, I’ll let you get back to Arch. I’ll keep you posted about you needing to change my last name in your contacts.”
“Don’t you dare. Alright, love you. Have fun with… whatever you’re doing tonight.”
We end our call and I hook my phone up to the charger.
“What’s going on with Pacey and Lily?” Archer asks. It’s the longest sentence he’s spoken in the last two hours.
I get up and shimmy out of my jeans. “Nothing,” I say and giggle again. “She was joking about having a rebound hookup with Pace tonight.”
Archer turns to me, one eyebrow raised. He still carries tension in his shoulders, but at least his mood no longer sucks all the oxygen from the room. “Rebound? From who?”
My cheeks prickle. “Boston.” My voice slips at the last syllable of his name, but I recover. “She asked him out tonight, but he politely rejected her advances.”
Archer scoffs, kicking his shoed feet up on the bed, leaning back against his pillow with his arms crossed behind his head. “I never understood why she wanted to get with him so bad. He’s such a fucking loser.”
Here we go again. I bristle, unable to control the anger rising within me.
“That’s not true, Archer. Boss has always been kind and he works really hard. Just because he wasn’t born into money doesn’t mean he’s a loser.”
Archer sits up. “Did you forget where he comes from? That his mom’s a prostitute? That’s not exactly good company to keep, Skye.”
I set my hands on my hips. “First of all, she hasn’t been convicted of anything. Pretty sure your dad would remind you that it’s innocent until proven guilty. And second, we can’t control what family we’re born into. What his mom does is hardly Boston’s fault.”
“Why are you defending this guy?” Archer asks, voice rising.
“Because he’s my friend, Archer.” The half-truth sends heat up my neck, threatening to settle high on my cheeks. “I’m going to take a shower.”
I don’t wait for Archer’s response. Just turn on my heels and march into the bathroom. I close the door behind me, my heart pounding—not out of anger. Just exhaustion. For myself, but mostly for Boston.