Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 138775 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 694(@200wpm)___ 555(@250wpm)___ 463(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 138775 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 694(@200wpm)___ 555(@250wpm)___ 463(@300wpm)
To my surprise, Hailey was taking this in stride. “It took me months to admit this to Tori, so there’s no danger of me telling your manager.”
Mia’s eyes were still wide. “No, that I was eavesdropping,” she said earnestly.
“I believe my friend is kidding,” I said, and Hailey nodded. “But please don’t tell anyone.”
“Of course not.” Mia still looked stricken, as if she’d broken doctor-patient confidentiality or something.
“I’m glad you told me.” I patted Haileys’ arm. “And you can trust Mia.” She was Jayden’s friend, but she was rapidly becoming mine as well.
Hailey took a deep breath, then turned to Mia, who looked worried that Hailey might throw the rest of her scone at her. “Well, come on over.”
“What?” Mia squeaked.
“You can’t hear that much and not hear the rest.”
I gaped at my friend. The version of Hailey sitting before me today was far more confident and self-assured than the one I’d first met. But was she really with all three of those hot-as-hell men?
“Come on.” Hailey waved Mia over. After a long pause, Mia grabbed a water bottle and came over to sit on the other side of me.
When she was settled, I turned to Hailey. “How long has it been like that?”
“Since before we moved in together. That’s why we moved in together.”
I was just so floored. “And… it’s working?”
“It’s incredible. I love them all.”
“Three men?” Mia finally ventured faintly. “Is that—is that something women do these days?”
Hailey shook her head. “It had never crossed my mind before I met them. But they’re all just so amazing, and they’re best friends, and it all just kind of worked out.”
It was still hard to wrap my head around—even though I’d had both Kyle and Jayden kiss me at the same time in the library. “Like… you all are in a real relationship? Like for the long haul?”
“I think so. It sure feels that way to me. We’re already talking about what we’re going to do after graduation.”
Wow. “You’re making plans together?” I asked.
“Yep. I know it sounds strange, but it works for us. It’s… I never expected anything like this, but it’s wonderful.”
“I’m glad you’re happy. And that you told me.”
“Me too,” Mia said, and then she blushed. “I mean, I’m glad you’re happy too, even though you didn’t mean to tell me.” She paused, shaking her head. “I still can’t believe that this is a thing that women our age do. Not judging! I’d just never heard of it before.”
“I hadn’t either, but maybe it’s a little more common than we know?” Hailey pondered.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
Hailey shot me a look as if I was being obtuse. “Well, you live with three men, too.”
“That’s totally different,” I said over Mia’s gasp. “It was just because I needed a place to stay.”
“Yeah, and now there are four of you in a two-bedroom house, if I’m not mistaken. Is Kyle the only one you’ve been on a date with?”
My mouth shut as Mia stared at me. “I thought maybe you were with Jayden. I mean, he sure talks about you a lot.”
“We’re friends,” I said. At least friends who sometimes slept next to each other or had long, intimate conversations while pressed against each other on a hammock.
“And are you… friends with the other two guys?” Mia asked, her eyes wide.
“Yes.” I held up a hand before either of them could say anything. “But it’s not the same. We’re just roommates. And even if I wanted them to be more, it’s not like your guys, Hailey. Two of them hate each other.”
“Oh. That sucks,” Hailey said. “And it must make things uncomfortable at their house.”
I nodded. I hated the way Lucas and Kyle argued, but other than that, I really liked spending time with all three of them.
Hailey turned to Mia. “So, what’s your story? Are you by any chance living with a bunch of hot guys?”
Mia laughed. “Definitely not. I share a room with my sister, Sara. Although that’s only for two more weeks. I don’t know much about what happens after that.”
That was such an odd statement that I had to know more. Maybe that was okay, though, since she already knew some very private things about Hailey and me. “What do you mean?”
“Ever heard of the Stepping Stones program they have here?” Mia asked.
Hailey scrunched her nose as she thought. “I think I’ve heard of it. It’s for new students, right?”
“Yes. It’s a six-week program, and they provide extra support, like workshops, special advisors, and extra academic help. Sara and I are part of it because we grew up in the foster care system, so, you know, we moved around a lot and couldn’t always put school first.” She sighed. “That’s why I went to a community college last year—both to save up money and also try to strengthen my academic skills.”