Milo laughs and walks over to the bed. “Now I gotta know. What makes Jamie West so embarrassed?”
“No, don’t,” I squeak, holding the laptop screen against my body.
Milo raises his hands and backs away. “Okay. Sorry if it’s private. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
I sigh and release the laptop. “Now you’re gonna think it’s something way worse than it is.” Reluctantly, I turn the laptop to face him and hit play. “This is my dirty secret.”
His brow furrows and his palm raises. “I don’t get it.”
I deadpan him. “It’s a rom-com.”
“And?”
“I binge watch them. I fixate on the characters and live vicariously through them.”
“Is that bad?” Milo asks, totally not getting it. “Don’t most girls watch these movies?”
“But I’m not most girls,” I mutter, crossing my arms. “At least, I’m not supposed to be.”
Milo steps toward the bed and perches on the edge. “What are you saying?”
“I hang out with the guys,” I say softly. “I’m the tomboy. I’m not supposed to like girly stuff.”
“Does it matter?”
I slide the laptop onto the bed and hug my knees. “The guys are my only friends. If they find out I like this stuff, they won’t want to hang out with me anymore.”
“That’s crazy,” Milo replies. “Have they actually said that?”
“Well, no, but that’s because I’ve never brought it up.” I tap the laptop. “This stuff is just between Aunt Maddy and me.”
“It’s not the guys, is it?” Milo whispers. “You’re worried about Kai.”
I swallow roughly. “He likes the version of me he knows. And it's not just him. I like the dynamic between us. I don’t want to ruin it. Please don’t say anything to him.”
“I won’t. But you shouldn’t have to hide things you like to stay friends with someone. Isn’t he supposed to be your best friend?”
I nod, my mouth drying.
Milo blinks behind his round framed glasses. “But you told me?”
I chew on my nail. “I guess you seem less judgmental.”
Milo stares deeply into my eyes, his glasses slightly dipping down his nose. He clears his throat and sends his attention to the laptop. “So, what’s this movie, anyway?”
“It’s called Never Been Kissed. Heard of it?”
“Never.”
“It’s Aunt Maddy’s favorite. She called before and said they landed safely and were heading out to dinner. Playing this movie made it feel like she’s here with me.”
“Aw. It’s the first time you two are really apart, huh?”
My lips press together firmly as I nod at the screen.
Milo’s hand rubs my shoulder. The unexpected action causes me to tense and then relax as goosebumps form under his fingers.
“You’ll be okay,” he whispers.
