We haven’t seen her in a while.
Cameron
The fact that he hasn’t jumped into this chat while we’re talking about him is concerning.
Wade
Agreed.
Finn
Hold up. I’ll call him…
Finn
Tried three times. No answer. Definitely not normal. I’ll corner him after training tomorrow.
Cameron
Yeah. We’ll let you handle it.
Finn
Oh, that’s just grand. Thanks for putting all the pressure on me.
Wade
You’re his best mate. Makes sense. But we’ll be ready for an assist, if needed.
Chapter 24
"Dating is brutal.”
Kat
Breaking up with Archie was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Which only proves to me that it was the right choice. What we had was becoming too real, too… perfect. And no matter how hard it is to leave him now, I know it would have been ten times harder a few years down the road.
I’ve been avoiding him for days, skipping my morning workout and guaranteeing the hallway’s empty before walking out, and it’s been working. Perhaps a little too well. I wonder ifhe’s doing the same thing—if we’re both living like ghosts on the same floor, quietly haunting each other through silence and thick walls.
I can’t believe that after six glorious months, I’m right back where I was in June, trying to avoid my neighbour, half wishing I could live anywhere but here. Except, for once, I’m actually considering moving out. I even browsed listings last night during my break. Because no matter how much time passes, I know it’ll be too painful living next to him.
As I’m reading on the couch, Grace calls, and I let out a long sigh. I knew Archie was bound to tell his brother at some point, and I would have to talk to Grace about this. Well, best to get it over with. At least then, we can put this whole fiasco behind us.
I slide my thumb across the screen and try to pull myself together.
“Hey,” I say, putting down my book and switching to video. I tuck my legs under the blanket and force a weak smile. “How are you?”
Her face appears on screen, all concern and warmth. “Are you okay?”
I sigh, already exhausted by the conversation that hasn’t even happened yet. “Noah told you, huh?”
“Archie called him yesterday.” Her eyes soften. “I’m sorry.”
I give a short nod. “It’s okay. I knew this would happen, honestly. I was clear from the beginning—I wanted something casual. But no, he had to go and fall for me.” I try for sarcasm, but my voice falters on the last word, and my heart squeezes.
Grace arches an eyebrow. “And you didn’t fall forhim?”
“I—” I glance away, my pulse thudding. “That’s beside the point.”