“Don’t fucking finish that sentence,” Noah warns.
“—but it’s about her,” Gunner finishes unapologetically. “And that’s a fact.”
“Facts my ass.”
“Look,” I say calmly. “You might not want to with your feelings, but until you do, you’ll just keep spiraling.”
Noah glares at us, then exhales slowly. “All I feel is confusion.”
“Have you ever considered that the confusion exists because part of you wants her, while the other part—whatever the hell it is—is fighting against that?”
Gunner sobers instantly, the laughter draining from his face. “And that part has everything to do with Chloe.”
“You don’t have to decide anything,” I say quietly. “But you can’t pretend nothing’s happening either. You aren’t confused, Noah, you’re just divided.”
His gaze drops to his glass, jaw tight.
“Congratulations,” he mutters finally. “You’ve both annoyed me in record time.”
Gunner beams. “We’re a team.”
I clink my glass lightly against his. “For what it’s worth… running from your feelings isn’t cowardice. It’s fear. There’s a difference.”
Noah looks up at me. “And?”
I meet his gaze. “Fear only has power if you keep running.”
He scoffs. “You always this philosophical?”
“Only when I’m not the one in trouble.”
Gunner laughs. “See? That’s why I like him.”
Noah leans back, rubbing a hand over his face. “I hate both of you.”
“Liar,” Gunner says.
I smirk. “You’d be bored without us.”
Eventually, the conversation drifts to lighter territory. Noah talks about a new model he’s considering. Gunner complains about maintenance costs. I add a comment here and there, but my mind isn’t really in it. It’s wholly on Sierra.
We’re halfway through a card game when my phone lights up. I smile before I can stop myself and reply quickly. When I place the phone face down, I feel Noah’s stare.
“What?” I ask, feigning innocence.
“You’ve been glued to your phone,” he says, nodding toward it right as it lights up again.
“So?” I say, picking it up and replying to Sierra.


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