“How about this Friday? Sloane’s got a game but I’m not going. We could sit and watch crap telly?”
“Why aren’t you going to the game?”
Another sigh. “I get the feeling Sloane needs some space from me. I don’t want to keep turning up everywhere she is, not if it’s annoying her.”
“If she’s getting annoyed with you being there for her, I’d say you need to talk to her…like now.”
I shrug. “Something’s off with us. I think it’s the whole going away to college thing, but I’m not sure.”
“Then absolutely talk to her.”
A shadow cuts off the sun. Sloane and Kiera stand there looking down at us. I smile because just the sight of Sloane makes me feel better.
“Talk to who?” Sloane asks. I can’t miss the fact she hasn’t kissed me hello, or the fact that Kiera is practically glued to her side.
“Talk to you,” I say. “Wanna come over tonight?”
“Sorry, Eden, I’ve already made plans with your girl,” Kiera says, not looking in the least bit sorry. I’m no longer on the fence about Kiera’s intentions. She’s trying to fuck with me.
Ignoring Kiera, I look at Sloane, who is biting her lip. “That’s cool. Just let me know when you’re around.”
Kiera can kiss my arse. She’s not getting between me and Sloane. Pia is right, we need to talk and sort out whatever the fuck is going on. I’m not a passive person, and I don’t intend to become one now.
“I can come over after?” she says, playfully batting her shoe against my leg.
“I can’t believe you’re not taking her out to celebrate,” Kiera says, with a knowing smile plastered to her smug face.Sloane tenses and I feel her become wildly uncomfortable. “It’s not every day your girlfriend gets into Harvard!”
Ah, so Sloane got an acceptance letter and chose not to share it with me. Yeah, she’s definitely freaking out about the long distance thing. It stings she told Kiera, and we definitely need to talk about it. Preferably when Kiera isn’t trying to goad me.
Standing, I gently pull Sloane into my arms. It takes her a second to relax, but eventually I feel her weight against my chest and her arms around my body.
“Congratulations, baby,” I whisper into her neck. “I’m so proud of you.”
Pia hops to her feet and launches herself at us, causing all three of us to stumble. Sloane chuckles in my arms as I bat Pia away like an annoying mosquito.
“Nice one, Sloane,” she says, still trying to muscle in on our hug. “We’re absolutely celebrating. Let’s go to the diner tomorrow after school.”
“Pia, will you fuck off.” I laugh.
The bell rings, forcing Sloane and me to part. “Have a good night, and text me if you still want to come over.”
She looks at me with…I don’t know. It’s like she’s trying to figure something out. Stretching to her toes, Sloane gives me the kiss I’ve been waiting for. My chest warms, and Ifeel our connection bright and strong as ever. I just need Sloane to feel it, too.
Ignoring Pia’s many throat clears, I push the kiss a little further. We’re panting by the time I pull away. Sloane looks dazed but very happy. A grin forms on my face as I brush our noses together.
“See you later.”
Later is close to 9.30 p.m., which is fine. I’m just glad she showed up. I spent the day zombie-ing through school, and then the rest of my time launching paint at a blank canvas. It was hella therapeutic.
I’d just finished in the shower when the doorbell chimed. Mum answered and let Sloane upstairs. She found me laying on my bed listening to The Chili Peppers through my headphones.
In only a tank top and penguin boi boxers, I was getting ready to sleep when I felt a hand on my leg almost catapulting me to the floor in shock. Her laughter wassoothing…after I’d calmed down enough to see the funny side.
“Hey,” she purrs, looking me up and down. “Am I interrupting?”
“In the best way,” I reply, standing from the bed and scooping her into a hug.
I’ve decided to stop buggering about. After the shit show at lunch, I’m closing the gap between us. I’ve given Sloane space, but now it’s time to step up and work this crap out. I’m not borrowing drama. By that, I mean I’m going to find out fromherwhat’s wrong instead of presuming and we’re going to work through it together.
