Page 47 of Gold Rush

“I heard you.”

He sets the chip down rather than eat it, eyes never leaving mine, which is unsettling. Kit always has something to say. We’ve been best friends since we were kids, and we’ve never once run out of topics to talk about.

“We hung out a lot this summer, studying for the bar. We’d both just gotten out of relationships. It just sort of … happened.”

My delivery is solid, I think. Believable. If Rory were here, listening, I think she’d agree. Once she got over her anger about me telling Kit, of course.

Kit glances away, at the woman pushing a stroller past our table in the park that is conveniently located halfway between our respective offices.

“Is it serious?” he asks quietly.

Fuck. Here we go.

“I’m serious about her,” I reply, which is honest.

This money—the foundation honoring Penn’s memory—is important to me. It’s a purpose, a future focus that’s driven me for years. Something worthwhile I can contribute. An outlet for the guilt I’ve carried around ever since campus police showed up to my dorm to inform me my roommate was dead.

I never would have proposed this arrangement to Rory if not for Julian’s ultimatum. But now that I have, I’m committed to ensuring she gets something out of this too. Whatever social capital I have, I’ll spend it to ensure there isn’t a single person who thinks that Carson Albright didn’t make the biggest mistake of his life. I’ll make certain her damn list contains the most respectful, romantic bachelors this city has to offer.

“She’s been through a lot,” Kit states.

I nod. “I know. It’s the only reason she gave me a shot. She’s looking for something fun and uncomplicated, and I’m the guy who never gives a shit.”

Again, it’s an accurate version of the truth. Rory agreed to this plan because it’s something she’d normally dismiss as ridiculous and immature. Sure, she’s helping me, and it will ensure everyone stops gossiping about Carson’s idiocy, but what she really wants is the rush of doing something impulsive.

I expect Kit to laugh. Instead, he appears increasingly concerned. “You’re probably right about that.”

I pop a chip in my mouth. Crunch it before replying, “I’m right about most things.”

Still, Kit doesn’t smile. “You sure you’re okay with that?”

“Being right?”

“For fuck’s sake, Flynn. You know what I’m talking about.”

I debate how to respond; I can’t exactly say I’m unconcerned because I know Rory will say yes when I propose and that our inevitable split will be a carefully choreographed heartbreak.

I shrug. “I’ll do what I can to convince her to give us a real shot. Beyond that, it’s up to her.” I think of Clay asking, “Hey, is Rory single?” then Knox’s wandering gaze. My jaw flexes. “Not like she doesn’t have lots of other options.”

“Who knows about this?”

It takes me a beat to answer because I’m taken aback by Kit’s reaction. His lack of one, aside from a couple of reasonable questions, rather. I figured he’d threaten to dismember me at least once.

“You,” I state.

“That’s it?”

“Well, she and I are aware, obviously.”

Kit tilts his head. “Why is it a secret?”

“She just got out of a four-year relationship, and⁠—”

“Carson fucking cheated. She’s worried about hurting his feelings?”

“I think she was more worried about what everyone else might say. And neither of us knew how long it would last.”

“You are now?”