"I guess, it could be depressing and inconvenient."

He laughs. "Yeah, that."

"You're over at his place a lot?"

"Yep," says Trouble.

"Bella thinks you're either sleeping with him or implying to people that you are for some reason," Andi says.

"I sure implied it to her," says Trouble. "Not to most people, but if you're after him I figure you should know."

"I like his accent," says Andi defensively.

"His accent is adorable," Trouble agrees.

"So is he gay or bisexual or what? Are you dating or do you just hook up?"

"I don't think he's gay," says Trouble. "And we're definitely not dating."

"Well, I like him, but I don't want him if he's going to keep hooking up with you, I'm not one of those people who thinks cheating doesn't count if it's with another dude," huffs Andi. "And Bella also said you don't think I can get him to like me."

"It is theoretically possible that there are some nice friendly human feelings in there somewhere," says Trouble. "But I've never seen 'em. Part of the reason he hangs out with me is 'cause he can get laid without pretending to care."

"Ew," says Andi.

"We can go to England for a semester in college or something, find you a cute Brit there," says Bella.

Trouble laughs. "Much better plan."

"Fiiiine," sighs Andi.

"Sorry," he adds. "I mean, not that I'm personally responsible for Ethan being kind of a dick, or that I'd even change him if I could, but - sorry."

"Why do you even sleep with him if he's a jerk and you know it?"

"Because I'm hopelessly in love," he laughs. "And we're pretty good for each other. Sexually if not emotionally."

"Wait, you're in love with him?"

"Yeah."

"Aaaand you also think he's a jerk."

"He is a jerk," sighs Trouble.

"You say that like you're complimenting his eyes, what is up with you?"

"I have weird taste?" he suggests.