Chapter 169: Two Kinds Of Safety
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That afternoon, the living room felt like a cozy little retreat, with soft light pouring in from the tall windows and the quiet hum of a movie playing on the big screen that had quietly lowered from the ceiling. Ethan and I were snuggled up on opposite ends of the plush sectional, keeping a comfortable distance between us that felt more comforting than awkward.
He was sipping his tea, watching the steam rise in lazy swirls from his mug, while I pretended to pay attention to the film, even though my thoughts kept drifting back to the hallway upstairs...specifically, to Adrien’s confession, the heat of his lips on mine, and how everything in my life had shifted in an instant.
God, I couldn’t even describe just I guilty I felt about it even if it was Adrien who kissed me and not the other way around.
Then my phone buzzed on the table, snapping me out of my daydream. I reached for it without thinking, and saw Gigi’s name lighting up with an excited string of texts.
Gigi💅🏾: How’s the party going?? I need ALL the scoop right now dude!!!
Then, with a bit more concern: "
Gigi💅🏾: I had trouble sleeping last night for some reason... hope everything’s okay over there??
Reading her words tightened my chest. I could easily picture her, with those wide brown eyes narrowing in suspicion if I didn’t give her the whole truth, her curls bouncing as she leaned forward, ready to defend me against the world.
Gigi has always been my fierce protector, glaring down anyone who dared to look at me the wrong way. But she had enough on her plate already. Her parents had turned their backs on her the moment she came out, she was struggling on school work too.