Page 33 of Reckless Love

It’s so crazy you said that because I’ve gotten Rhodes and Elle vibes reading this too! The way they’re each other’s ride or die like you guys are. Please tell me after last night, the two of you have fully made up again because it’s too traumatic when you’re upset with each other.

My face flames, and I pause outside my car door,fanning my face. Never in a million years did I think my friends would be reading my book. I thought I’d be lucky if ten strangers found it and enjoyed it, and now I’m having group chats with my best friends who see the similarities between me and Rhodes.

I am so screwed.

I think we’re getting there.

I decide to leave it at that.

Calista

Damn. I was hoping you’d tell us you spent the night together. The way the two of you dance is clearly a sign that you would be FIRE in the sheets.

Tru

Calista’s not wrong.

Sadie

I’m just glad she said it because we are ALL thinking it.

Not happening, you guys! We’re FRIENDS. And we’ve always danced together like that. It doesn’t mean we need to sleep together.

Calista

But what if you did? Sleep together, I mean. Don’t you think you’ll always wonder what it would be like with him?

There’s never been a time I haven’t wondered. Yes, Iwill always wonder! But the heartache I would feel if it didn’t work out…I can’t fathom it. We just can’t go there.

I keep all of that to myself, even though I’m dying to say all of it.

We decided in college that we would never cross that line. And when we crossed it even a little bit, it turned everything upside down.

Sadie

Did it REALLY turn everything upside down though?

These girls with their questions.

We fought for the first time! It’s been weird between us ever since.

Calista

But hasn’t that mostly been you trying to shut things down?

Damn Calista for knowing me so well.

Hopping in the car. Catch up later. XO

And then my dad calls. When I don’t answer, he leaves a message, and I listen to it on the way to Rhodes’ house.

“Hi, sweetheart.” Heavy sigh. “I’ve been with Bernard this afternoon and he’s crushed. And I have to say…I’m…confused about your decision to date Rhodes. You’ve been so adamant all these years that you’d never date Rhodes. Why now? I’m really concerned. And Bernard is too. Call me. I love you, sweetheart. I want to make sure you’ve given this a lot of thought.”

My hands are shaking as I pause and chat with Rhodes’ guard, one that I don’t recognize. He waves me through after calling Rhodes, and I sit in my car for a second, trying to calm down.

I know my parents are controlling, but why did I imagine that one day I’d be considered old enough to know my own damn mind?

CHAPTER ELEVEN