Page 46 of This Changes Everything

“Rory, get in the car!” I heard Cameron call from behind.

“Nope! Not necessary!” I shouted as I grabbed the handle.

“Then jump in-fucking-front of it, Rore! Don’t let her go!” Cameron bellowed.

“Shut up, Cameron!” I snapped, then ripped the door open.

That’s when I finally heard Rory scream, “ELLIE!”

I slammed the door shut, and the cab took off. My phone was ringing off the hook. It was Rory. It was Hannah. It was Blair. It was Cameron. It was Rory. It was Rory. It was Rory. I ignored every call, dialed Matt, broke up with him, then turned off my phone.

Chapter 15

NEW YORK 21 years old

BEN WAS UP EARLY ON MY BIRTHDAY, MAKING BREAKFAST. I HAD been watching him try hard to be quiet at the foot of the pushed-together beds for about ten minutes before he realized I was awake. He was creeping around the one-room apartment, grilling breakfast sandwiches, when he saw me smile. Hannah and Kara were still sleeping.

Ben mouthed, Did you sleep?

My eyes grew wide, and I slowly shook my head. No.

He swallowed a small laugh.

Did you? I asked with a finger point.

He shook his head just as slowly. Nooooo. He smiled sweetly, then mouthed, Can I kiss you?

Now? I pointed downward.

He shook his head while flipping the spatula back and forth, then whipped it in a circle. In general.

Ohhh . . . I looked at my sister and friend, neither of whom had any idea what was going on. I turned back to Ben and mouthed, Would that be weird for them?

“Would it? They cheered for us after you sang me a love song,” Ben said with a confused expression.

I threw my finger up to my lips to shush him, then looked over to the two sleeping beauties. Kara turned over.

Do you want to? I mouthed.

Yes. Ben’s nod was exaggerated. His scruff had grown in the night, his dark-blond hair was moving in all sorts of directions, and he was holding a birthday breakfast sandwich made just for me. Oh man, I was in trouble.

Really? I mouthed. My sister stirred beside me.

Yes, Ellie. I like you. A lot. Like . . . I really like you. He pointed at me with the spatula. Though he was saying he liked me, the look on his face was calling me an idiot.

I like you a lot! I mouthed back, angrily, mirroring his face.

He smiled. Well, let me fuckin’ kiss you!

I choked down a laugh. Gimme a fuckin’ minute!

“Are you two talking?” Kara sat up in bed, causing Hannah to roll over and rub her eyes.

“Uhhhhhhhhhh.” I had nothing else. I looked at Ben blankly.

Kara eyed us both suspiciously and then blurted out, “Did you two have sex last night?”

My jaw dropped, and Ben folded over with a laugh.