I put on the mask I used to save for PE class when they were picking teams for dodgeball. The one that says rejection doesn’t affect me. That says I don’t really care if I’m picked for a team or not. Because I am definitely feeling not picked for Team Fletch. Not only does he not want to pick me, he wants someone else to pick me so he doesn’t get stuck with me.

“I’d love to.” I look down, feeling so stupid. What did I even expect? “Sounds great.”

The pizza in my stomach is turning to stone. God, my best friend is finally here to help me navigate my social life, but I can’t share any of it with her. When did things become so complicated?

When we get back to the house, the guys start their shooter game, and Jenna and I hit the kitchen with the wine we got on the way home and a cheesecake we got to-go from the pizza place. We don’t bother with plates for the dessert. Two forks is all we need.

“So, what’s going on with this Jones guy? He seem nice, and he’s totally hot. Why aren’t you into him?”

I shrug. “He is both those things. You know me, I’m just awkward. I’m into him.”

“Not buying it. How did you guys meet anyway?” She’s talking with her mouth full of cheesecake like we used to do when we were kids.

“My roommates introduced me to him at a party they took me to.”

“Oh, this is the guy you said invited you to coffee, but things kept getting in the way. I remember now. Well, if my brother introduced you, then he’s probably fine. Fletch won’t let you go out with a douche-canoe. He’s your honorary big brother.”

I slug down some wine, trying really, really hard not to remember the way he growled over my clit earlier in the evening. How he told me how pretty my pussy is.

“If I didn’t like Steven from Art History so much, I’d make a play for Shane. Do you think Fletch would get pissed if I hooked up with his best friend?”

My wine glass is mysteriously empty. Just when I need it the most. “Um, I guess I don’t really know Fletch enough to say for sure.”

I can’t tell her that Shane made me come. That I’ve jacked him off. That would technically make him off limits, but my whole life is this gray area now where normal limits may or may not apply.

“Tell me more about this Steven guy.”