I learn so many things I never would have guessed about the boy I never expected to become such a central part of my life. I knew he was funny, larger than life with enoughconfidence to power a small town–but he’s also incredibly kind, loyal, and gentle.
His eyes well with tears when he tells me about his childhood cat that died last year. He talks more animatedly when he shares stories from summers with his cousins at his family’s ranch. He tells story after story, and the more I listen, the more I never want him to stop.
After finishing a story about getting chased up a tree by a goose, he bolts upright and looks at me with wide eyes. Startled by the sudden absence of warmth where his legs were, I immediately ask him what’s wrong.
“Nothing, it’s just late, and I realized I’ve been talking your ear off.” It comes out more like a question, a self-conscious edge to his voice.
“No you haven’t, I’ve loved everything you’ve told me.” I smile at him reassuringly and continue, “You’ve caught me by complete surprise, Griffin Hart.”
“What do you mean by that?” His eyes narrow at me suspiciously.
I pull my phone out of my back pocket, bringing it to my ear as it rings with the outbound call to my mom.
“I mean that when you came into Spanish class like a hurricane that first day of school, I didn’t know I’d end up liking you this much.” I grin at him, never breaking eye contact while I tell her I’m ready for her to come get me.
“I like you too, Eleanor Turner.”
He grins right back at me, and my own smile falters as I wonder if “like” is starting to mean something very different to the two of us.
Chapter 8
Griffin
April, Age 16
Eleanor has been staring at the wall of movie candy at the Dollar Tree for approximately twelve minutes, and if it was anyone else, I’d be losing my mind. But I think I could be happy watching paint dry with this girl.
With how seriously she’s taking this, you would think this was a life or death decision, not picking a snack for movie night.
Jack and David are coming over for our regularly scheduled Friday hang, but this week we’re making Eleanor watchFinal Destinationsince we discovered that she’s never seen it. When I volunteered to handle snack duty, I happened to–accidentally–text Eleanor separately to see if she wanted to come with me.
I totally meant to send it in the group chat. Scout’s honor.
Even though she’s nearly scowling with deep concentration, she can’t help but hum happily along with whatever pop princess is playing over the speakers.
“What’s your favorite song?” I blurt out, suddenly feeling like it might kill me if I don’t know the answer.
For a second I think she didn’t hear me, but without taking her eyes off the candy, like she’s scared it might disappear if she looks away, she says, “ProbablyFavourite Colourby Carly Rae Jepsen.”
I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t that.
“Really?”
The shock in my voice is what finally pulls her away from our low-budget Wonka factory, and she looks up at me, her face looking as shocked as I feel.
“Uhhh yes? Why does that surprise you?”
“I don’t know, I pinned you for maybe a Frank Sinatra or Fleetwood Mac fan. I can’t pictureCall me Maybeon any of your playlists.”
Rolling her eyes, she shifts her attention back to the real task at hand–snacks.
“Don’t ‘manic-pixie-dreamgirl’ me, Griffin. I’m exactly like other girls,” she says, with an air like she’s trying to explain something I should obviously already know. “Anyway, Emotion is a perfect pop album and CRJ is criminally underrated.”
“I…don’t really know what those words mean.”
“Of course you don’t.” She doesn’t look back at me, but she shakes her head softly and I see the corners of her mouth tilt upwards.
I’ve never been more confused, but it doesn’t matter–I’d listen to her explain anything to me anytime. “Can you elaborate please?”
