Page 41 of Harnessed in Gold

“Betts, what the fuck? Why didn’t you tell me?” Her words are accusatory, but her energy is nearly one hundred percent concern.

I draw in a shaky breath. “Because it was a mistake.”

“Why? What happened?”

I shrug like it’s no big deal, even though it’s a huge one. At least to me. “It just wasn’t what I thought it was.”Hewasn’t what I thought he was.

She screws up her face, disbelieving. “You mean he’s not into you?”

“I don’t know,” I say, being honest for once. If she’d asked me this a week ago, I would’ve confidently said he wasn’t, that he was carelessly using me. But now?

A chuisle mo chroí.

Now, I don’t know anything anymore.

“It’s complicated,” I say.

“It’s complicated? Really?” Liv rests her fists on her hips. “First you didn’t tell me, and now you’re giving me ‘it’scomplicated?’” She’s trying to look indignant, but hurt and worry are coming off her in waves.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I should have.” At least I wish Icouldhave. “But it doesn’t matter. Leo and I are still friends and everything is fine.”

“Friends?” She snorts. “Okay, please. You two were never friends.” She grabs my sleeve. “You’re hurt; I can tell. What did he do?”

I sink onto my bed. There are lies I could tell her and lies Ihaveto tell her, but for the first time in a while, I don’t want to do either. I need her.

Eyes on my folded hands, I admit, “Zander was right; Leowaslying.” Aboutsomethings, butbigthings. And all the longing looks, jealous glares, and Irish endearments don’t erase that fact.

Liv’s entire demeanor softens in sympathy, so much sympathy I have to bite back tears. “He really was lying to you?”

I nod.

“Oh, Betts, I’m so sorry.”

I sigh and stretch, shaking off the sadness threatening to consume me.

“So he isn’t even a student?” she asks.

“No, he’s a… researcher.”

“So he’s what, like, a grad student? Why would he lie about that?”

“Who knows?” Because he thought it would be easier if I didn’t know the truth? Yeah, easier for whom?

Liv’s eyes widen. “Is he not supposed to date students?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, if he’s a TA or an instructor or something, would he even be allowed to go out with you?”

“Oh. No, he’s not… in a teaching position.” I rise and pick up my dust rag. “But it doesn’t matter,” I rush to say. “It was a one-time thing, and it’s over, so it’s all good.”

Liv frowns, not at all convinced. But she stops prying and instead asks, “You want to do a girl’s night this week?”

Caught off guard, I stammer, “Um…”

“C’mon, Betts,” she urges. “You need to get out and have some fun.”

Maybe she’s right. Maybe I do need to have some fun. Some non-macguffin-related fun. “Okay, sure.” After all, I still need my friends. There’s a life waiting for me on the other side of Leo Hawthorn, regardless of how he may or may not feel.