Page 44 of I Wish He Would

I close my eyes and burrow further under my covers, thankful he can’t see me right now. I knew I’d need to tell Austin eventually that I’m not talking to Rhett anymore, but I thought I had more time. “We decided we’re better off as friends.”

“Really?” Austin’s voice cracks, and I think I hear some laughter in the background. He clears his throat and repeats the question, his voice deeper. “Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you okay?”

I nod, then realize he can’t see me. “Mm-hmm. He was amazing, but we’re just different.”

“Sorry, I know you liked him.”

“He’s one of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever met, but he just wasn’t my person, you know?” It’s not like I can say that I already know who my person is. I’m not particularly in the mood to get my heart crushed tonight.

“Right.” Austin is unusually quiet before continuing. “Uh, anyway. I was wondering if there’s anything else I need to know before we leave for St. Lucia? Like dress code or any certain events I need outfits for? I have a game tomorrow afternoon, but I’ll be back late tomorrow night to get packed.”

“Shoot, I thought I told you.” I’ve been so caught up in my anxious thoughts, I realize I never even sent him the schedule.

“Told me what?”

“There’s a whole itinerary.”

“Itinerary.” He repeats the word slowly. “For a wedding?”

“Did you forget who we’re talking about here?”

He breathes out a laugh. “I should’ve known Bradley and Bianca would have an entire week of events scheduled around them.”

“A rehearsal dinner and wedding just simply isn’t enough attention,” I say in my best posh accent.

“Of course I want ten ice sculptures of us. Figuring out how to make that work in the Caribbean summer heat sounds like a you problem.” Austin’s fake accent sounds more like a confused Australian.

I giggle before continuing the charade. “Why, yes, my request for twenty live peacocks behind us as we say ‘I do’ is legitimate.”

“Now you’ve just gone too far,” Austin tuts.

“You think twenty peacocks is worse than ten ice sculptures?”

“When we’re talking about keeping ice frozen versus acquiring and wrangling twenty wild animals, then yes.”

“Fair. I’ll send you the itinerary, though. I’m sure you have everything you need in that giant closet of yours.”

“Hey, I can’t help it if Coach doesn’t want us pictured in the same suit for every game day.”

“I’m not judging.” My tone oozes with sarcasm. “I’m simply saying it’s very lucky you have all those nice clothes to fit their fancy vibes.”

“Sure.” Austin drags out the word. “Any events I need to mentally prepare for?”

“All of them,” I breathe.

“Hey, we’re in this together. You and me against the world.”

His words settle my nerves. “Thanks, Austin.”

“Anytime.”

I yawn and try to cover it with my mouth.

“Sounds like I should let you get to bed. If you don’t mind sending over that schedule, I’ll make sure I have everything I need. Wouldn’t want to embarrass you.”