Chapter Six
Unexpected Friend
Quinn
There are two types of mornings.The kind where you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world.And the kind where you wake up staring at the ceiling wondering how your life got so confusing overnight.
Today is definitely the second one.
I roll onto my back and stare up at the white ceiling of my bedroom while sunlight spills through the curtains in thin golden lines.My alarm clock says 8:12 AM, which means I’ve been awake for at least twenty minutes pretending I’m still asleep.
Because sleeping is easier than thinking.Unfortunately, my brain has other ideas.It keeps replaying last night like some kind of emotional highlight reel.The grocery store and Emette’s voice.The wordstupid.
My chest tightens just remembering it.I close my eyes and drag a slow breath into my lungs.It shouldn’t bother me this much.People say things when they’re frustrated.Everyone knows that.Relationships aren’t perfect and sometimes couples fight or snap at each other.That’s normal.
Right?
Still...The memory of Damien’s voice floats through my mind.You shouldn’t let him talk to you like that.
I groan softly and throw an arm over my face.Great.Now Damien Grey is living rent-free in my brain, too.
Which is ridiculous.He’s just a friend.A nice, quiet, slightly nerdy friend who happens to look unexpectedly good in glasses.That’s it.Nothing more.
Except ...I can’t stop thinking about the way he said those words in the parking lot.
When you’re done playing with boys ...there’s a man out there who’ll treat you the way you deserve.
At the time I thought he meant it in that general, supportive way people do when they’re trying to make you feel better.But now?Now I’m not so sure.
I sit up quickly, shaking the thought away.Nope.Absolutely not.I am not starting my day by analyzing Damien Grey’s motivational speeches like some kind of relationship detective.
Instead, I climb out of bed and head for the kitchen.Coffee will fix this.Coffee fixes everything.Dear God, I hope coffee fixes this.
The smell of fresh grounds fills the air a few minutes later as the coffee maker sputters to life.I lean against the counter and stare out the window at the quiet street outside my house.
Franklinton is still waking up.A few cars pass by.Someone down the street is mowing their lawn and somewhere a dog barks enthusiastically at absolutely nothing.Small-town mornings.
I pour myself a cup of coffee and take a long sip.Better, much better.
My phone buzzes on the counter.I glance down expecting to see Emette’s name on the screen but instead, it’s Skye.
Skye:Cupcake emergency.House of Ink.ASAP.
I laugh softly.Of course it is.I text back quickly.
Me:Define emergency.
Three little dots appear instantly.