“You’re really leaving?” his tone is wounded.
I shrug, trying to act like it’s not a big deal. “It’s getting late, and it was a long shift at the cafe.”
“Aw, lil Jamie is tired,” Kai mocks, pinching my cheek. “Okay, you go. But tomorrow you won’t need the bus. I’ll be able to drive us.”
I dig my toes into my rollerblades, feeling more upbeat. “What time is your test?”
“I get to skip the third period. Then I can drive us around after school.”
I cheer. “Yes. I’m so excited.”
“I’m not gonna flunk out like you,” Kai teases.
I punch his arm. “Hey!”
“I’m just playing.” Kai pats my shoulder and half-turns away from me. “Okay. You’d better get your bus.”
My jaw rocks as I look past him, where he’ll inevitably turn.
Her.
Tabitha Jones sits in wait.
Maybe I should stay, just to keep them apart. But to what end? What does it matter if he hangs with her?
I give him a dubious look. Why didn’t I know she’d be here?
He double-takes at me. “What?”
I shake my head and backtrack. “No, nothing.” I wave as I turn away. “See you tomorrow. Happy birthday, bro.”
He grins, waves, and turns away. “Thanks, James.”
My stomach tenses as I glide away from the skatepark and into the town square. Kai’s hanging out with Tabitha. He gave her that look. The look every guy in a romantic comedy gives to the main character. That she’s the one.
I tried to blank out as much as I could during the bus ride to the outskirts of Victoria Falls. Once I get into our small two-bedroom home, I race to the kitchen and plonk a packet of popcorn into the microwave. The popped bag fills a large bowl, which I take to my bedroom. I sit cross-legged on the end of the bed with the bowl placed on my lap as I stream a new release rom-com. I’m twenty minutes in when Aunt Maddy’s keys jingle at the front door.
“Mmm,” Maddy hums as she strolls toward my bedroom. “I smell popcorn. Is it rom-com time?”
I scrunch a handful of popcorn and lift it toward my mouth. “It’s dire.”
“Oof.“ Maddy plonks down beside me and grabs a handful of popcorn. “What happened?”
“Kai.” I murmur his name, shaking my head as I stare blankly at the screen. “He…”
Maddy slides in close, tucking her free arm behind my back. “What’d he do?”
I drop the popcorn and turn to Maddy, letting the incomprehension filter through my expression. “He had his first kiss.”
“Oh, baby,” Maddy coos, stifling a laugh. “You got jealous?”
“How could I not?” I whine. “He’s always acted like he didn’t care about dating, and then he gets someone so easily. That’ll never happen for me.”
“Don’t say that. You guys are only sixteen. You’ve got plenty of time for dating. Plus, it’s normal for feelings to change as you grow older.”
I turn back to the screen and drag my hand through the bowl. “I just can’t believe who he was kissing.”
“Who?”
