Page 147 of Lose You Twice

“Good,” Asher says. “Now stop talking about it.”

“Can’t stop the weather, goalie.”

“You can stop speaking.”

Weston considers that. “That has been proven false many times, my dude.”

Everyone laughs, and the moment passes.

Kai’s hand finds mine under the edge of the counter.

Just for a second. A secret squeeze.

A promise or a question or both.

I squeeze back.

Later, Harlow walks me to the door while the guys argue about whether Weston should be allowed to take leftover pizza.

“He shouldn’t,” Asher says from the kitchen.

“I’m literally an athlete,” Weston argues. “I need carbs to fuel my amazingness.”

“You’re more like a raccoon with quads.”

Harlow pauses with me near the entryway, her shoulder against mine.

“I’m okay with it,” she says quietly.

My throat tightens. “You already said that.”

“I know. I’m saying it again because you look like you’re waiting for the floor to drop.”

I glance back toward the kitchen.

Kai is watching me over Grayson’s shoulder.

Not hiding it.

Not flaunting it.

Just watching me like I’m someone he gets to look for now.

“I don’t know how to do this without being scared,” I admit.

Harlow’s expression softens. “Then do it scared.”

“That sounds like something from a motivational mug.”

“Fine. Do it while emotionally unstable and surrounded by idiots.”

I laugh.

She smiles. “Better?”

“Much.”

She hugs me again, quick and tight. “Just don’t disappear inside your own head, okay? Talk to me, him, whoever you need to talk to.”