Page 121 of Taking Sides

“For what?” His dark brows pull together.

“Being a good friend.” Few guys would offer to help me come up with a plan to win Whitney back. Let alone remember her favorite movie.

“Only returning the favor. You’ve always been there for me. Besides, I may need you to be my wingman now.”

“Me?” I’m the least likely guy for the job. In fact, I don’t think anyone has ever asked me for help with women.

“Your success rate is better than mine lately.”

“Dating apps not working out?” I ask. He hasn’t said much since Erin. I assumed he was taking time to get over her.

“They work fine for a hookup.”

“And you want more than that?” I ask, disbelief laced in my tone.

“Nah,” he says quickly. Then tips his head side to side. “Maybe. I don’t know. Let’s just focus on you for now.”

THIRTY-TWO

Me

Where are you?

Me

Please check in and let me know you’re okay.

I set my phone down on my desk and heave a sigh. Victor’s phone is on, but he isn’t answering my calls or texts. Dad hasn’t seen or heard from him either, but that isn’t surprising. I’m sure the last thing Victor wants to do right now is get a lecture from our father.

I lean back in my chair and stare out into my empty classroom. It’s my free period, and I should be grading quizzes, but I can’t focus.

It’s likely Victor’s already made it back to Houston by now, but I have no way of knowing for sure. If he isn’t there, then he stopped off somewhere else on the way back to sleep or hide out until he feels like going home. I could call hotels between here and Texas but that’d take forever. I stop myself just short of googling accident reports.

“Answer your phone,” I growl as I stare at the blank screen.

I lean back in my chair and absently run a hand over my stomach. It’s twisted in knots but somehow, I’m hungry too. Not surprising since I’ve barely eaten the past few days. Nothing tastes right.

Leaving my phone, I head out of my classroom and to the breakroom. It’s empty except for Doug. He must be watching band rehearsals because his phone isn’t muted, and I’m greeted with an upbeat instrumental song. The sound quality is low, but he stares at the screen with rapt interest.

“Hi,” I say quietly as I enter so as not to interrupt him.

He looks up and smiles.

“Hey, Whitney. Come for the cake?” His big, boisterous voice echoes in the room over the song playing from his phone.

“Cake?” I perk up as my gaze darts to the counter and a delicious-looking vanilla cake with thick icing. “Is it someone’s birthday?”

“Uh . . . mine.” He pauses the song, which I just realized was “Happy Birthday.” Did his students send him a happy birthday video? That’s kind of sweet, actually.

“Happy birthday.” I smile at him.

“Thanks. Another year older and no wiser.” He grins, then shakes his head. Doug glances at the clock on the wall and stands. “I better get back. The lesson plans won’t write themselves, will they?”

I smile awkwardly at his retreating back. I wonder if Sloane has considered going out with him again. He’s sort of adorable. I make a mental note to ask her about him later as I cut a very big piece of cake, then hit the vending machine for a few things with more sustenance. I can barely carry it all back to my classroom.

When I get there, Landon is waiting by the door. He pushes off the wall and stands straight as I approach.

“Hey, Landon.” I smile at him. “Need something?”