Probably not, I figured, but at least it was a start. The worst part was that they were friends. Friends who liked me. How could I possibly think what I’d done was a good idea?
They were probably downstairs right now. Jealous and hurt. Angry at one another. Angry at me.
You’re an asshole, Claudia.
Yeah, that was the consensus. Unfortunately it was becoming a recurring theme.
I had the perfect of all situations — every girl’s dream scenario — and rather than enjoy it responsibly I’d thrown caution to the wind. Worst of all, I affected their friendship. Pitted them against one another. I remembered the seething anger in Hunter’s eyes. The absolute disdain for his fraternity brother dripping like acid from his mouth. I’d caused that. I’d been the one who couldn’t exhibit self-control.
I had to apologize, fully and completely. It was the least I could do. If I could take responsibility for what happened last night between Brandon and I, maybe they’d see things differently.
Of course, they might also want me to go. They could ask me to leave, and I’d be homeless again. I’d lose them as friends. I’d lose them as more than friends…
Shit, I’d lose everything.
I took the most miserable shower of my life, dressed, and then headed downstairs. Skulking into the kitchen I felt worse than ever. I almost hoped they wouldn’t even be there…
The smell of food and coffee hit me before I rounded the corner. When I did, all three of them were standing in the kitchen, leaning against the counters.
Staring back at me…
“Hey,” I squeaked uncertainly.
“Hey yourself,” said Hunter.
I dared not look any of them in the face, but I felt terrible under their gaze. Was they mad? Upset? Disappointed?
One of them pulled out a chair. The other slid a plate of breakfast — and thankfully, a mug of coffee — right in front of me.
“I—”
I choked on my own words. My mouth felt like it was full of sand.
“About last night,” I said in low tones. “I—I wanted to say something. I just wanted to apologize for—”
“Not necessary,” said Hunter. “Actually we wanted to talk to you.”
I slumped in my seat, totally crestfallen. Here it comes…
“But not now,” Brandon added. “Later on tonight. When we’re all home.”
I bit my tongue. None of them sounded particular angry, but in my experience ‘let’s talk later’ was never anything good.
“I’m making dinner for us,” Colin said. “Six O’clock. Can you make it then?”
I nodded blankly. “O—Of course.”
“Good.”
I heard the sound of keys, and shuffling, and bookbags being lifted. As the three of them filed out of the foyer, I just couldn’t help myself.
“I can move out,” I blurted suddenly. “Give me a week, maybe ten days to get a place. In the meantime I’ll leave you guys alone again, and I’ll—”
“That’s not what we want,” Hunter said simply.
His words echoed in the now empty kitchen. All three of them had turned around and were shaking their heads.
“N—No?”