Jock Reign (Jock Hard 5)

“And how did that all come about?” Kaylee pries for information. “Did you go crying to him about what a jerk I am for kicking you out? I meant what a jerk we are for kicking you out,” she amends, including Lilly to give her half the blame.

“No, I didn’t go crying to him about the two of you. He happened to text me at the moment I was trying to figure out what I was going to do, and I mentioned to him that I didn’t have anywhere to live.”

“Well how convenient.” Her tone implies that she doesn’t find it convenient and isn’t happy at all that I found a place to live. Knowing her, she would prefer me on the streets at night.

“Yeah, it is kind of convenient,” Lilly says. “Funny how things work out when you least expect it.”

Her smile is wan.

I love Lilly, always have. Sweet, caring Lilly. I know she probably had little to do with my leaving the house, and judging by the look on her face, she feels absolutely horrible but glad I have a place to stay.

“We call the situation irony,” she adds. “The fact that you live with the guy who got us in the fight in the first place.”

“Shut up, Lilly,” Kaylee tells her rudely.

“Hey, don’t tell her to shut up—that’s so rude.”

Seriously, what the hell? What has gotten into her lately?

“You must be so happy you got what you wanted all along.” She smirks.

“This isn’t what I wanted at all. I never wanted us to fight over a guy—he and I aren’t even a couple and never were. We’re roommates, that’s it.”

“If you don’t include the fact that you were caught kissing in public,” she snorts.

I mean, there is that small detail. “Oh. I didn’t realize we were automatically in relationships with people we kiss. How many boyfriends do you have right now then?”

If she wants to dish it, she better learn how to take it.

“I’m done with this conversation,” she announces, beginning to walk off.

In an attempt to salvage this wreckage, I call after her. “I didn’t mean to hurt you—I told him that from the start. I even told him about girl code.”

“How cute, you told him about girl code.” Her nose goes up at my attempt at an olive branch. “He’s not a very good listener then, is he?”

I let out a sigh, defeated. “Are you going to hold this over my head forever?”

“Yes.”

Lilly and I watch as Kaylee stomps away, stopping short a few times to turn around, checking to see if Lilly is behind her and finding her lagging.

“Aren’t you coming?”

Lilly holds up a finger. “One sec—I’m going to run inside for a protein bar. You don’t have to wait.”

It’s enough to appease my old roommate, who has no patience and no desire to wait. Still, she hedges, unsure. Walk off, or stand here. Walk off, or stand here…

Decisions, decisions.

“Go. I’ll be right there,” Lilly urges.

“Where are you headed?” I ask her.

“The gym, for practice. We’re doing a thing for Greek week.”

“Even though you’re not Greek?” Greek as in a sorority.

“Yeah, we always have a blast, so why not? We’re helping them coordinate dances for some skit night they have at the end of the week.” She shifts on her heels, rotating her backpack to the other shoulder.

Lilly steps closer, leaning in and whispering, “I want you to know it wasn’t my decision to ask you to move out.”

No one asked me to move out. Kaylee demanded it.

“It wasn’t?”

Lilly nods. “No, Eliza. It was totally Kaylee’s decision, and you know how she gets.” Actually, I had no idea she got like this. “I had no idea any of the drama was going on—I barely knew who Jack was until she couldn’t shut up about it after you moved out. You’d think you stole her man, and I know for a fact she was seeing at least two other people at the same time she claims she was in love with this Jack dude.”

My brain reels, clicking pieces of the puzzle together and coming up short. “I don’t understand why you’re just telling me this now—it’s been two weeks. Why didn’t you text me or something? I’ve felt like complete shit since I left.”

“I’m sorry. Kyle and I are on a break. Or broken up, I don’t know. I’ve spent the last week feeling sorry for myself and crying and eating my feelings.”

I gasp at this new information. “You and Kyle broke up?” I embrace her in a hug. “Lilly, what happened?”

Who broke up with who? What does it mean that they’re ‘on a break’?

I have so many questions.

Questions she isn’t in the mood to answer. “I can’t talk about it or I’ll start to cry.” Lilly sniffles a bit, though no tears are coming out of her eyes. “I lost five pounds. I’m miserable.” More sniffles. “Anyway, that’s why I didn’t text or call. I’m sorry, Eliza. I haven’t been a good friend.”