I put my phone down and force myself to back away. It’s been less than two months since Easton spun my world on its head and made me believe that someone like him could be attracted to me. No, not just someone like him. He made me believe that he could be attracted to me. That he was attracted to me. And that’s the kicker, because I don’t want someone like Easton. I never have. I want Easton. But I’m no longer the twelve-year-old girl who’d follow him around when he stayed over on the weekend and quietly dream of our future wedding. I’ve grown up, and I’m smart enough to know that’s not in the cards for a girl like me. Easton very gently reminded me of that when he told me not to apply at UCLA.

I still want to hide every time I remember I said that. What did I think? That Easton was going to want a college kid hanging around just because we fooled around in the middle of the night? Did I think he’d miss out on all the women who throw themselves at him on a daily basis for me?

So I checked myself. Remembered the limits of our relationship: friendship. When I went back to school after the holiday, I said yes to a date with Steve and decided it was time to force myself to get over Easton Connor. I’ve been doing great at not obsessing over him too, and then he has to throw out an I wish you were coming?

It’s such a painful tease that I almost hate him for it. But I know that’s not fair. He’s just being my friend. Like he always has.

My phone buzzes again, and I immediately snatch it off the counter to see if it’s another text from him. I’m weak.

Easton: I hope you have the time of your life in New York. I expect you to tell me about it.

Me: Sure. I’ll post pics.

April 18th

Easton: Family reunion isn’t the same without you, Short Stack.

I read Easton’s text three times before I make myself flip my phone over and pretend I didn’t see it. I have the house to myself, and my boyfriend and I are using the time to study. Because Steve and I are just cool like that.