Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 90598 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90598 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
“I don’t see why you’re being so weird.”
I jump up from the couch and walk into the spare room. I pull a cute dress from the over-the-door closet hanger I bought for some extra storage space.
Abby appears in the doorway. “I’m not being weird. You’re the one being weird. This isn’t like you.”
“I know, but maybe it’s time I became a new, cool version of myself? I could become the girl who likes going out to bars and stuff.”
She shoots me a look. “You could not, and you don’t have to. Come sit on the couch with me, and we can binge watch that new show that just came out.”
“Just this once, let’s switch places. I’ll go out, and you can be the one staying in. It might be fun for both of us.”
“Are you sure this isn’t about Spencer or something? Do you ever think you’ll forgive him?”
I drop the dress onto my small bed. “I’ve already forgiven him. I mean, the only thing he did wrong was not tell me about the ambush kiss. It wouldn’t be fair of me to stay mad at him over that.”
“So, you’re considering getting back together with him?”
“Absolutely not.”
Abby’s face falls. “But you said you forgave him!”
“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean we belong together. In fact, I plan on meeting someone new at the bar tonight. I’ll go grab some dinner and hang out at Kyle’s. It’ll be fun. You should join me.”
She bites her lip. “I’d much rather stay here and talk about why you don’t want to get back together with Spencer.”
“I already told you that I’m trying not to backtrack. Why can’t you accept that? I know you don’t agree with it, but you don’t have to keep badgering me about changing my mind.”
“I’ve let it go for months, but I want us to have a real talk about this. I mean, you and Spencer are good together. You’re happier with him.”
“Deja vu.”
“Maybe this time around, you’ll listen to me.”
“Or maybe this time around, I’ll leave in the middle of the conversation.”
Abby is disappointed, standing in the doorway with her hands on her hips. I know she means well. In fact, I agree with her about most things. I should probably give Spencer another chance, but I’m a stubborn girl. With a thick head like mine, it’s easier to move forward than to go back.
“Please just stick around, Leila.”
I pull off my T-shirt and sweatpants. Abby has seen me in far less, so I don’t care that she’s still standing disapprovingly by the door.
“I’ll make you a deal. If you come to Lulu’s for dinner and Kyle’s for drinks, we can spend all day tomorrow talking about Spencer and how you think I should get back together with him. That is unless I take someone home. Then maybe we’ll spend the afternoon tomorrow.”
“You really think you’re ready to date again? You’re still in love with Spencer!”
“Maybe, but the best way to move on is to truly move on, right?”
“Leila—”
Abby is interrupted by a knock on the door.
“Did you order food or something? You were always planning on bailing tonight!”
Abby huffs. “It’s not that.”
“What’s going on?”
She turns on her heel and heads for the door. I slip into the dress and check myself out in the full-length mirror on the bedroom wall. I look hot, but it doesn’t feel right. I’m trying to be someone I’m not, like Abby said. I just think it would be easier than being myself for a while.
“Don’t hate me,” Abby calls from the living room.
I walk out and find the tall, handsome body of Spencer James standing in the living room.
“What are you doing here?” I ask.
Then, I look at Abby and realize exactly what happened.
“You planned this? You bamboozled me! How could you do this?”
“I’m sorry, but it’s for your own good. Malia and I thought …”
“Oh, good, so Malia is in on it too. Guess I’ve lost two good friends today.”
“Please, just talk to him, Leila.”
“No.” I grab my purse and start for the door,
“Leila, please,” Spencer says. He doesn’t block my way, but the pleading in his voice makes me turn around.
“I don’t have anything to say to you. I think it would be best if we both moved on. We tried to be together, but it didn’t work, end of story. Now, can I leave?”
Abby maneuvers between me and the door. “No, you can’t. You’re going to stay here and talk to Spencer. Do it for me.”
“Why should I? You went behind my back. Now all your pleading to stay home makes sense. You had to make sure I was here when Spencer showed up.”
“Please don’t be mad at Abby and Malia. They were only trying to help me.”
“I see where their loyalties lie.”
“Leila.”
“I want to go. I don’t want to do this.”