AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The girls and I got each other little gifts, and the sleepover was sort of our Christmas party, since we won’t be together for Christmas. But Todd and I agreed not to do presents, and I definitely didn’t know I was supposed to get something for my friend’s boyfriend.
“You didn’t have to get me anything,” I say. “I didn’t get you anything.”
“It’s a gift,” Chase says, shifting into gear and pulling away from Daria’s. “If I expected something in return, it wouldn’t be a gift, would it?”
“Not sure that’s how it works, but okay.”
“That would be a trade,” he says. “This is a gift. I know I didn’t have to, but I wanted to. Open it.”
Feeling awkward, I pull at the paper until the tape comes off. I slide the box out of the paper and sit with it on my lap. For some reason I’m not sure I want to open it.
“Is this going to be something totally inappropriate, like the necklace?” I ask.
“Look and see,” he says with a grin, pulling to a stop at a light.
I take the top off and unfold a pair of blue sweatpants. Across the seat is printed, “Juicy.”
“You got me a Juicy Couture track suit?”
“You like vintage stuff, right?” he asks, looking as excited as a little boy opening his own Christmas presents. “It reminded me of you because you’re juice girl, and it’s sky blue, like you.”
He looks so proud of himself I don’t know what to say. I don’t have the heart to tell him I’m really only into 90s stuff. I take out the zippered hoodie that matches the pants, with the crown insignia. It really is super soft and cozy, and I know it would be heaven to lounge around in them on a day like this, when I feel like shit.
“Besides,” he adds, shooting me a mischievous grin as the car shoots forward. “I’ll get to look at your juicy ass every time you storm off in a huff.”
“I can’t take this,” I say, putting the lid back on the box.
“Why not?” he demands, sounding truly wounded.
“Because it’s too nice.”
“No, it’s not. They’re basically pajamas, and I stole yours last night anyway. And sincemyjuicy ass stretched them out, I’m not sure they’ll ever be the same.” He shakes his head with mock sadness.
“Yeah, but those are like,designerpajamas. Not the same.”
“It’s the same to me,” he says with a shrug, turning into my aunt’s drive. “I’m not taking it back. Just accept the fact that I like buying you things.”
“I know how much these cost,” I argue.
“Good, then you’ll actually wear them, so they won’t go to waste. Unlike that necklace I gave you, which I have yet to see on you since the day I forced you to wear it.”
“Yeah, because it’s wrong.” My voice comes out a little more heatedly than I’d meant. “You can’t just buy me expensive things, Chase.”
“I’ve never met a girl who didn’t like expensive things,” he says. “Especially a girl who’s more than worth it.”
“Well, you have now. I can’t take this. I appreciate the gesture. You’re very sweet, but you should give it to Lindsey.”
He sighs and turns to me, frowning. “I didn’t buy it for Lindsey. I bought it for you. It would be wrong to give her a gift that was meant for someone else.”
“I’m sorry, Chase,” I say. “I love them, really. But you’ll have to find someone else to give it to. Something that nice should be for your girlfriend. I’m not your girlfriend.”
He grabs my hand before I can open the door. “Why not?”
“I told you why not. It’s too nice.”
“No,” he says slowly, looking at me with those stunningly blue eyes that make me forget my better judgment. “Why aren’t you my girlfriend?”
All the air is instantly gone from the car, and I can hardly breathe.
