Page 105 of Left on Read

“I’m not going to like this, am I?” I glanced at Gray, who averted his eyes.

“Please don’t be mad,” Nick pleaded. “This isn’t anything bad, just a meeting of the bestie council.”

“I’m so confused. What does Hayden have to do with the bestie council?”

“Can I be frank with you?”

“As long as I can still be River,” I quipped.

“Such a goober.” Nick patted my knee affectionately. “You know we love you, right?”

I nodded. “I love you guys too.”

“And you know we like Hayden.”

“Yeah…”

“Zane won’t tell us what’s really going on with you two, and you’re not telling us what’s going on with you. We….” He glanced at Gray, then Quinn. “We’re worried about you.”

“Why?”

Nick looked at Quinn deploringly.

“We wondered if there was anything you wanted to talk about,” Quinn said, obviously choosing his words carefully.

“Nothing to talk about. Nothing’s changed.”

Gray coughed like he was calling me on my bullshit.

I stretched my legs out in front of me. “I like him, and I like what we have. It’s working for us. End of story.”

“Is it?” Gray asked softly.

I shrugged and looked at the floor.

“You know you can talk to us about anything, right?” Quinn said.

“I know. But there’s nothing to say.”

“Don’t you want more?” Nick asked.

“Of course, but this is way better than anything I’ve ever had. I’m not about to mess things up by demanding more when he specifically told me he wasn’t looking for that.”

Nick and Gray exchanged a look.

“It’s fine,” I insisted.

“Okay.” Nick smiled, but I could tell it was one of his customer service ones and not a Nick smile.

“We’ll let you guys get ready for your set.” Gray patted my knee.

I upnodded him, Nick, and Quinn when they stood.

“I told Nick that was pointless, but you know how he is,” Zane said when it was just the two of us. “He’s just trying to help.”

“I know.” I slid my gaze to my brother. “You said something to Hayden earlier. When I was with Noah?”

He nodded.