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“Why? Was he a jerk?” Simon asked

“No I had a hard tiet, and he was just so…handsome”

“Hey!” Simon scowled

“But not as handsoers with Si to me “Thanks, Ash It sounds like he needs a friend, and I know for a fact that you’re one of the best He’s lucky to have you on his side”

“Thanks” I hugged Topher impulsively, then picked up my iPad

Two different conversations broke out at once Holden and Toe and Si like that

I was about to call the ed my shoulder

“One last thing Be careful, Ash,” he warned in a hushed tone “Jake or Blake uy and perhaps a decent friend, but he’s deep in the closet That isn’t going to change overnight”

“We aren’t lovers,” I replied automatically

“That’s not the point He’s not out No one knoho he is but you And that’s okay But that doesn’t mean he’s ready to take a stand I don’t want you to be disappointed by him…or anyone You deserve the best”

Topher patted my shoulder and moved to Si his finger to his wristme to attention

“Oh Right” I reclaimed my chair and pasted a senda, boys The plunger issue has been resolved Anyone interested in tutoring the annoying tot down the street? Going once, going twice…”

Everyone groaned on cue

We laughed about the neighbor’s antics, gruel bonanza brunch for finals week The roooodwill, and solid friends ould do alrateful to know these men

But I couldn’t help thinking that I should have felt a hter now that st had taken a new turn Topher was right Blake ht have the best of intentions, but he had a lot to work through, and he had to do the hard parts alone

I hated to ad more than friends

Friends Only friends

I processed that bit of wisdo it Blake wasn’t the first friend I’d been attracted to, and he ht not be the last I’d been in this position before Our deal hadn’t changed Adding sex back into the equation wouldn’tmore than friends with benefits

I couldn’t do that with Blake I liked him too much, and I knew myself too well

So, we’d be friends

I have good news I’m free to be your friend Guilt free, I texted Blake later that evening

My phone rang iar-free ice cream?”

I chuckled “Yes, exactly”

“That’s a little disappointing Everything sugar-free sucks”

“That’s not true,” I argued