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with his arms crossed in front of him. He hasn’t said a word to either of us after the decision was made final. Lucas is leaning against the couch, also with arms crossed. Both look upset. But this is for the best. As soon as she’s out of our lives things can go back to normal. I can go back to fucking around and not caring. We can go back to sharing girls without me getting all weird.

Things will be better without Rachel in our lives.

I hear a click and glance at the door, rearranging myself on the couch while I wait for Rachel to walk in through that door. She’s carrying several bags and a to-go cup from The Cup. I hate to admit it, but she looks absolutely beautiful with her hair in her face and her mascara slightly smeared under her eyes. She looks exhausted. A part of me wants to bring her back to my room and apologize for the way I acted. Maybe even kiss her.

I grind my teeth. No. This is exactly why I need to get rid of her. She makes me all weird.

Rachel glances up at us, surprise written all over her face as she glances between all three. She chuckles nervously and pushes back her hair. “Wow,” she says, “you guys look pretty upset. Did something bad happen?” She dumps her bags down next to her. “Hunter, is your mom okay?”

Hunter bobs his head, but he doesn’t bother looking at Rachel. “Yeah, she’s fine,” he says solemnly.

“Then, what’s going on?” She turns to me. “Seth?”

Lucas sighs and runs a hand through his hair. “Yeah, Seth. Do you want to tell her?”

I cringe. Not really. But Hunter won’t and I can tell Lucas is about to change his mind about the whole thing. “So, we’ve been talking,” I begin, pushing myself off the couch and walk casually towards her.

Rachel chuckles. “You actually do that?”

I stop the need to retort with something as equally flirty. “We believe you need to find someplace else to stay.”

Rachel tilts her head. “Huh?”

“We’re kicking you out.”

She glances around the room once more. “Are you serious?”

Lucas nods. “Afraid so.”

“But… why?”

I sigh. “That doesn’t matter now, does it?” I refuse to look at her. Her eyes are filling with tears and if I continue staring at her I know I will take back my words. “It’s not working out and you need to go.”

“But the contract-“

“Fuck the contract!” I shout while throwing up my hands. “You have to find someplace else to stay. Isn’t that what you wanted anyway?”

Rachel looks at Hunter and Lucas. “And you both agree to this?”

I watch my bros, wondering if they will go back on their word, but instead they both nod their heads solemnly.

Rachel inhales a deep, shuddering breath. “I see.” She sniffs. “Okay. Fine. I’ll have my things moved out tomorrow.”

“I can help you,” Hunter says quickly, taking a step towards her.

Rachel scoffs while she picks up her things and strides towards her bedroom door. “You can go fuck yourself, Hunter. You can all go fuck yourselves,” she says before slamming her door.

22

RACHEL

I blink my swollen eyes while I stare around my now empty room. I stayed up the whole night crying and after not being able to get to bed, I spent the rest of it packing up my things. To think I actually hated this room when I first moved in, and now all I want to do is throw a big hissy fit, fling myself into the bed and refuse to budge.

I release a shuddering sigh. I’m about to cry again, but I push it down. I need to leave this place with my dignity intact. I can’t let Seth think that he won. That he finally broke me. I swallow a sob as I remembering asking him: are you still going to be mean to me after this? A part of me feels like laughing at the foreshadowing. Of course he’s going to be mean to me. It’s Seth. He’s always been cruel to me.

Looking back on last night I actually feel a bit bad for Hunter. I don’t think he actually wanted to leave. The way I spoke to him was cruel. After all, he just wanted to help. I wasn’t in any mood to accept help. I’m going to miss him.

And I hate to admit it. I think I’m actually going to miss all of them. Even Seth. Although I have no clue why.

I hear my phone buzz and see that it’s Josh: HERE. WAITING FOR YOU OUTSIDE. I smile at the message before tucking my phone into my jean pocket. Amongst the crying and the packing I also messaged Charlie, Lauren, and Josh about the whole ordeal. Charlie was actually shocked I was being kicked out. Lauren felt so bad for me. Josh offered me his couch, which was actually a good start. After a couple more days of crying I can look for an apartment to move into. Hopefully an apartment with girls. Nice girls.

I drag my suitcase behind me and through the apartment, trying to ignore the doors I pass to get to the front. No one comes out to say anything. I shouldn’t be surprised. It’s not like we actually had anything. I leave my keys on the counter and open the door. The suitcase plops on each stair as I go down. Out of the corner of my eye I think I see Seth in the distance, running back to the apartment. Must be a training day for him.

Ignore it, I tell myself while smiling at Josh waiting for me on the sidewalk.

“You got everything?” He asks, taking one of my suitcases.

I nod. “I think so.” I take one last look at the apartment, then turn and follow Josh down the sidewalk.

***

I groan as I shuffle in through the door. It’s been a long week and sleeping on Josh’s couch has felt like torture. I miss having