Annie was in the parking lot talking to Tyler and Robbie, the three of them with heads bowed together, clearly talking about something they didn’t want anyone else to know. Was I wrong to think it was about Delphine and me?
I walked Delphine to her car, standing aside as she unlocked the doors and opened the driver’s side. “What time tomorrow?” Delphine asked.
“Is six too early?”
“No, I can do six,” Delphine said. “What should I wear?”
“Something comfortable.”
“As long as you don’t make me run. I hate running.”
I laughed. “Promise. No running.”
A slant of sun illuminated her eyes, turning them into glossy stones with specks of green in the hazel depths. An ache I hadn’t seen coming swept over me. I wanted to draw her close, taste her mouth. Take her home and into my bed.
“What is it?” She squinted into the light. “Are you ill?”
“No, not ill. Not exactly.” I stuffed my hands into my pockets to make sure they didn’t wander in her direction.
“Um, okay.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Annie approaching. I stepped back a foot or so to let Delphine get into her car.
“Night, Dorian,” Annie said. “I’ll see you at work tomorrow.”
“See you tomorrow, kiddo.”
I gave them a quick wave and then headed to my own car. When I got there, I realized Robbie and Tyler had been waiting for me.
“Hey, boys,” I said. “Have you come to rob me?”
Robbie looked confused, but Tyler shook his head, smiling. “No, sir.”
“We wanted to give you an update,” Robbie said. “I have run my compatibility test over again, now that I have more data.” Before I could ask, he confirmed my suspicions. “Annie showedus your profile tonight. Comparing it to Delphine’s, I have to admit to an error. You are now coming in at ninety-six percent compatible.”
“Good to know.” I bit the inside of my lip to keep from smiling.
“Is there anything we can help you with?” Robbie asked.
“As in?” I asked.
“We know Delphine pretty well,” Tyler said. “Like if you had any questions about her.”
“Okay,” I said, feeling uneasy.
“My mom thinks you two would enjoy the same quiet lifestyle, surrounded by art and books. Delphine’s so much more than she shows people.” Tyler’s tone was somewhere between protective and hopeful. “She would do anything for any of us kids, for example.”
“She was different before Annie’s dad died,” Robbie said. “When she used to make cookies and play charades. Before her light went out.”
“I’m starting to see the real her,” I said. “Little by little.”
“Don’t give up on her,” Tyler said. “Or Annie. They need you.”
“And maybe you need them?” Robbie asked.
“She agreed to a date tomorrow evening, so it’s a start,” I said.
The boys fist-bumped each other.
