After she ignored me for every week for the reason that seaside, I’ve a great sense that it’s the primary. I knock once more, persistently this time till Thalia yells one thing again in French. My guess is it’s one thing alongside the strains of go away.

It doesn’t have her favourite phrase, so perhaps she thinks I’m Owen.

“Thalia, open the door,” I say, ready a number of moments to provide her an opportunity to open the door. I hear the lock flip, however I don’t really feel higher after seeing her.

If I believed she appeared tough final evening, it’s nothing in comparison with how Thalia appears proper now. Her usually shiny inexperienced eyes and nostril are pink, and she or he has a blanket wrapped round her shoulders. Thalia’s blonde hair is in a rat’s nest on prime of her head, and she or he appears…defeated.

I hate seeing her like this. I ought to have stepped in final evening, however how would I clarify that to Owen? He drew a line within the sand when he requested me to depart the room. I used to be torn between serving to the woman I shouldn’t need and her brother, my greatest good friend of sixteen years.

I maintain the bag of grease up. “I introduced meals.” I’m toeing that line proper now, however I selfishly wish to make certain Lia’s okay.

She appears at it blankly earlier than turning round to tug the blanket over her head, curling up in a ball. “I’m not hungry. Shut the door behind you.”

I take a harmful step via the door body into the room that used to belong to Chris. I took with no consideration how easy every little thing was when he lived right here. “You puked your guts out final evening, and I’d wager you threw up once more after we left for the sport at present. Have you ever eaten something?”

“Go away. I’m supplying you with the reprieve you so desperately needed, particularly with how arduous it’s being round me.”

Fuck, I hoped she wouldn’t do not forget that. Yeah, I’d wish to cease getting turned on by the considered my greatest good friend’s little sister. I’d like her to cease sporting outfits that make me unable to look away. I wish to do a whole lot of issues to her that I shouldn’t wish to do. However this? Thalia hiding in her room, refusing to eat, isn’t what I would like.

Owen and Lia don’t combat usually, nevertheless it’s catastrophic after they do. They’re each so cussed, and it could possibly be weeks earlier than they make up.

I make one other dangerous transfer, sitting on the sting of her mattress. “Should you’re not going to eat, then I’ll. I simply performed a complete recreation, and also you wouldn’t imagine how hungry I’m.”

Thalia stays lined by the blankets, seemingly unbothered by me, which I do know isn’t true. I take it a step additional, stretching out on her mattress. I desire a typical response from her. I’ll depart her alone after, however I have to see that she’ll be okay.

I understand how to push her buttons, similar to she is aware of easy methods to push mine. Lia rolls to face me. “What is going to it take to get you to go away and depart me alone? Do I have to take my shirt off to indicate you my pores and skin, as a result of that at all times appears to ship you operating in the wrong way?”

I put the bag of meals on the bottom subsequent to the mattress and relaxation my head on her pillows. “You’re by no means going to have the ability to do away with me.” Particularly in the event you begin stripping subsequent to me.

Thalia frowns, huffing. “Since you’re Owen’s greatest good friend. I’m conscious and so thrilled. Now get out of my room.”

“What if I don’t wish to?”

“Advantageous. Keep. I don’t care.” Thalia turns again over, and I’m shocked.

I had no concept that Owen’s phrases may do that. “Lia, he was incorrect—”

“He wasn’t incorrect in something he mentioned, so don’t defend him. You assume the identical fucking issues he does, so I don’t know why you’re in right here making an attempt to make me really feel higher. Now, in the event you don’t thoughts, I’ve a headache, and I’d wish to be alone.” Her voice cracks, and a chunk of me does too.

I don’t assume the identical factor. However my delight and my loyalty to Owen stop me from saying in any other case. I get out of bed, choosing the meals as much as set it on her desk. “You continue to have to eat one thing. It gained’t be pretty much as good if it’s chilly.” I say earlier than shutting the door behind me.

The minute I hit my mattress, I’m out like a light-weight.

~

“See, aren’t you glad you got here?” Chris nudges me as a lady smiles from the opposite finish of the bar after sending me a drink. It’s busy, however not so loud you may’t hear your self assume. It’s why we come right here as an alternative of the extra standard bars round Durham.

“There’s one thing incorrect with you in the event you don’t go speak to her,” Owen says, laughing, and I roll my eyes at him.

“I wager in the event you shaved your face, you may get free drinks despatched to you too. I’m simply going to go say thanks,” I say, sliding off the bar stool simply. I agree with Thalia. The beard is horrible, so I’m unsure why he insists on holding it.

He didn’t point out me not celebrating with the workforce earlier, however there was no manner I used to be getting out of going with him and Chris to the bars. These plans had been made a number of days in the past, and backing out wasn’t an possibility.

I didn’t wish to come out tonight and depart Thalia within the house by herself once more, however she made it clear she didn’t need any firm, particularly mine. Why shouldn’t I’m going out with my mates?

The nearer I get, the extra acquainted the woman is. Her good friend whispers in her ear, getting as much as stroll away. “Hey, I’m Bash. Thanks for the drink.” I smile at her as I lean towards the bar.

She laughs simply. “I do know who you’re. We’re in irregular psych collectively, I’m Lucy.” I knew I acknowledged her from someplace.

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