I’ll have to search for it later, but for now, I grab her hand, and we cross the street.
CHAPTER TWELVE
EVIE
When we get back to Drew’s house, he leaves me in the kitchen to see to Mrs. Vivian. I stand there, fidgeting with one of the plastic bags, not wanting to unpack the remaining groceries because I’m holding out hope.
I want to be alone with him. Up in his apartment. Sharing a meal.
It’s shameful how much I want to be with him. I’ve never felt like this with anyone. I tell myself I’m not the kind of girl who pines over guys who don’t want to be with me, but I sure am pining over Drew Moroux.
And I want him. I want him like I want to keep my own skin. But I meant what I said a moment ago. If all I can have is just to be near him, keep his company — be his friend — that’s all I’ll ask of him.
I know he doesn’t trust himself. Not with friendship, and sure as hell not with more than friendship. And he’s stubborn, but so am I. I didn’t think I could miss seeing someone so much in just a matter of days.
I mean, I haven’t hugged Mom and Dad in months. Yeah, I miss them, but it doesn’t feel like a giant fish hook has me caught under the ribs.
So if he tries to push me away tonight, I’m going to push right back.
I’m squaring my shoulders and frowning with determination when he walks back into the kitchen. A flash of surprise crosses his face when he sees my expression.
“What?” he asks.
I fast-blink, feeling like an idiot, and clear my face. “How is she?”
Drew winces. “Hurting. And there’s nothing I can do to help.”
“You brought her food,” I tell him, hoping to cheer him up. “That’s helping.”
He shakes his head. “My Aunt Josie says she’s going to stay the night. Grandma refuses to go to the emergency room, but she’s running a fever, and if she takes a turn for the worse, Josie wants to rush her to the hospital. Which means I’m basically no use at all.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, frowning.
A look of naked disgust claims his face. “My driver’s license is expired. And I’m uninsured now. Neither one of them wants me to get behind the wheel until I’m covered and legal.”
I see his disgust for what it is. Shame. Self-loathing. I’m about to offer myself as an emergency driver, but I clamp my mouth shut. That’s not what he wants. He wants to be able to help his family on his own.
Still, I might be able to make that easier.
“What’s keeping you from getting your license and insurance?”
His glowering brow lifts, and his expression lightens a little. “Nothing after today,” he says cryptically.
At my blank stare, he grins, turning my heart to butter. “I got my first paycheck today.”
All hint of self-loathing is gone. In fact, he looks so proud, I want to hug him. “That’s awesome!”
His grin grows, and his cheeks, high-boned and gorgeous, flush pink. “You’re the first person I’ve told.”
Little fireworks of joy burst in my chest. Then an idea strikes that makes me feel like a helium balloon. “Monday — i-if you like, I could drive you to the DMV to renew your license,” I stammer, wanting so much to do this for him it’s almost embarrassing. “I have classes in the morning, but we could go in the afternoon.”
For a moment, his stoic stare is all I see, and I’m sure he’s going to turn me down.
“That would be… That would be great.”
Yes!
It takes all the restraint I have not to cheer, but I bounce a little.
