37

"Just so you know, Ethan and I have started seeing each other." Spencer's voice wavered between excitement and nervousness as she pulled her bag off her shoulder and set it on the table with a thud. Her eyes darted around the room, unable to settle, and her fingers drummed against the tabletop-a telltale sign she was battling a storm of emotions.

I blinked, the sudden confession sinking in. Restless. That was the only word that came to mind as I watched her fidget in front of me. Spencer, the confident and composed, was suddenly unraveling.

"Of course you see him," I said dryly, lifting my glass of water to my lips and taking a slow sip, the cool liquid sliding down my throat as I tried to mask the grin threatening to break free.

Her eyes narrowed, shooting me a glare that would've sent anyone else scurrying. But I knew her too well to be intimidated. She sighed dramatically, tossing her head back and chugging her own water like she needed it to wash down her nerves.

"You know what I mean," she said, a hint of exasperation in her voice.

A smile tugged at my lips. "So, you're telling me this because of the spectacle you two put on in my apartment last week when I was?" I arched an eyebrow, recalling the lingering glances, the unspoken tension, and the way Ethan had been glued to Spencer's side, hands brushing as they passed plates around. It had been obvious, even if they hadn't admitted it.

Spencer's eyes softened, and she let out a deep sigh, the bravado crumbling as she dropped her head onto the table with a quiet thud. She looked up at me from beneath her thick lashes, her face flushed.

"I wanted to tell you sooner," she admitted, her voice muffled by the wood. "But then I got nervous about what you'd think. You're my best friend, Cora, and the last thing I wanted was to mess that up. And then you got sick, and Ethan offered to help me. I wanted to say no, I swear. But the moment I looked into his eyes, I felt my heart skip a beat. Before I knew what I was saying, he was there, right by my side, helping me take care of you."

She said it all in one breath, the words tumbling out like she'd been holding them in for weeks, and maybe she had. Silence hung between us for a moment, the weight of her confession filling the space. I could see the vulnerability etched into her features, the way her hands clenched into fists as if bracing for my response.

A slow smile spread across my face, and I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. "I ship you two."

Spencer's head shot up, eyes wide and disbelieving. "You do?" she whispered, as if daring to believe me.

"You two look cute," I said, warmth blooming in my chest as I thought of all the moments that had led up to this-how Ethan's smile had softened whenever Spencer walked into the room, how her laugh always grew a little louder when he was near. I noticed, but never wanted to say anything. Maybe because I wanted Spencer to feel comfortable in telling me herself. It all made sense now.

Spencer's lips quirked into a smile, hesitant at first but growing brighter, like a sunrise breaking through a dark sky. For the first time since she'd sat down, the restless energy in her faded, replaced by a glow of relief.

"Thank you, Cora," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I smiled and looked at the ground.

"You don't have to thank me," I said softly, glancing up at her. "I'm just happy you told me. And honestly, I'm relieved. I thought you two would keep skirting around it forever."

Spencer let out a laugh, the sound light and unburdened. "We probably would have if Ethan hadn't forced me to spill the beans today. He said you'd be fine with it, but I still felt nervous. I didn't want to risk losing you."

"Spence," I said, leaning forward and reaching across the table to squeeze her hand. "You're never going to lose me. You're my best friend. I want you to be happy. And if Ethan makes you happy, then I'm all for it."

Her eyes welled up slightly, and she quickly blinked back the tears. "You're the best, you know that?"

I smirked, settling back into my seat. "I've been told."

Spencer shook her head, a grin tugging at her lips. "Okay, but you *have* to promise me one thing."

"Depends," I said, narrowing my eyes playfully.

"You won't give Ethan too much crap about this. He's been nervous too-like, really nervous. He thinks you're going to kill him for dating me."

I snorted. "Good. Let him sweat a little. It'll keep him humble."

Spencer rolled her eyes but laughed. "I mean it, Cora. Promise me you'll go easy on him."

"Fine, fine," I said, waving a hand in mock surrender. "I promise I won't make him cry. Maybe."

Spencer groaned, but her smile didn't waver. "You're impossible."

"That's why you love me," I said, winking.

We fell into an easy rhythm of conversation after that, the tension fully dissolved. Spencer filled me in on the details-how she and Ethan had been sneaking moments together for weeks, how he'd confessed his feelings first, and how she'd nearly passed out from shock when he did. I teased her mercilessly, but underneath it all, I was genuinely happy for her.

The warm moment between us was interrupted by my phone buzzing on the table. I glanced at the screen and frowned when I saw Levi's name.

"Speaking of impossible people," Spencer said, her voice dripping with mischief as she leaned over to peek at the screen.

"What does he want now?" I muttered, unlocking the phone and reading his message.

Levi: I'm at that café you love. Figured I'd save you a seat before someone else steals it. You're welcome.

I sighed, shaking my head. "He's so-"

"Thoughtful? Sweet? Handsome?" Spencer offered, her grin widening.

"Annoying," I finished, though my lips twitched into a reluctant smile.

"Sure, keep telling yourself that," she teased, grabbing her bag. "But don't think I haven't noticed the way you two look at each other. You're not as subtle as you think, Cora."

"Whatever," I said, rolling my eyes as I stood. "You should get going. I'm sure Ethan's waiting to whisk you off somewhere romantic."

"Don't deflect," she called over her shoulder as she headed for the door. "This conversation isn't over!"

I shook my head, laughing softly as I gathered my things. My phone buzzed again.

Levi: Tick tock, Abel. I'm not waiting all day.

I sighed, a strange flutter of anticipation stirring in my chest despite myself. As much as Levi drove me crazy, I couldn't deny there was something about him that kept pulling me back. Something that felt like a challenge-and maybe, just maybe, something more.

I grabbed my coat and headed out, Spencer's words echoing in my mind.

"You're not as subtle as you think."

Maybe she had a point.