Page 30 (1/2)

“I am He offered, and I accepted We’re a match made in rooms tape along the sea way, I add, “As friends, of course Friendly roo to see or discuss We probably won’t even see each other much Just two friends—”

“We get it” She winks at Marlow “It’s platonic” Double wink My rins and adds, “No one thinks otherwise, Teals”

Marlow relaxes on the couch, shoes on the floor, her legs tucked under her, and her shoulders shaking with laughter “I’m happy that worked out I told hiuess he worked his ue and winks

“Okay Okay Enough He’s not working any ic on me,” I snap “It’s only temporary, and he has a spare room, so—”

Careat Keep calm and carry on and all that” She points the tape dispenser at me “Iin with the one guy you’ve crushed on foreverWhat could go wrong?” She stands, looking at me expectantly with the tape dispenser, ready to battle the next box

Marlow adds, “When sohow he saidI play it off as frustration

“There is not going to be any wrong or right with Rad We’re friends You guys know this better than anyone” I busy myself with the box flaps to avoid their stares and the questions I spy populating in their eyes

“I’ve been thinking about this,” Ca in with hi you closer or destroy a good friendship It could ruin” She catches herself before she says the words

I say theroup dynamic I worry about that, too, but I can’t live on your couch” Trying to lighten the mood, I add, “Cade made itfifty tiuys need your couple ti across the box, I squeeze her hand “So it wasn’t even an option to ask”

Marlow pushes off the futon and holds the flaps in place “I want to help”

“Then help,” Caet to it” The screeching of the tape breaks the standoff of silence that follows

Reaching down, she lifts a box to the top of the stack and says, “Cade’s right The stress is getting to you”