Page 33 of The Star in Room 7

They widen their eyes and shake their head. “Please don’t,” they whisper.

“Don’t… What?”

“Make things serious.”

“What makes you think I was going to?”

“The look on your face.”

I school my expression, even though it’s too late to do so. “I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

“I’m good. A-okay.”

“Really?”

They smile, nod, and then inhale deeply. “And dinner smells so good! Would you write the recipe down for me?”

“Sure.”

“Thanks!”

“How old are you?”

They tilt their head, brow furrowing. “Twenty-one. Why?”

“Just curious. I find it hard to tell sometimes.”

“Oh! Me too. Some people have real baby faces, and others look like they’re ready to retire when they’re in their thirties!”

I make myself chuckle. “Yeah, I find it easier just to ask people. Saves any confusion down the line.” The oven timer goes off, providing a much-needed change of subject. “Dinner’s ready. Can you grab some plates?”

“Will do.”

We transfer the stuffed peppers to the plates, fill some glasses with water, and put everything on a large tray, which I carry through to the dining room, while Puck runs to fetch Nate.

We chat while we eat, the conversation never straying from light, inconsequential things. As soon as we’ve finished, Puck clears the plates, leaving Nate and me alone.

Nate regards me, his lips pursed. “Are you all right?”

“Yes.” I sigh and shake my head. “I realized I’m not the only one keeping secrets.” I glance at the doorway. “It must have been so frustrating for you when I refused to talk about what happened.”

“A bit,” Nate admits. “But there was no sense in pushing you. Puck has someone to talk to. I suspect they need something different from you.”

“What?”

“Light-hearted friendship. Someone they can just be themselves with.”

“They’re only twenty-one.”

“I know.”

“And they’re a⁠—”

Nate smiles sadly. “I know.”

“I can’t even—” I shake my head. “It puts my problems in perspective.”

Nate threads his fingers together and rests his chin on them. “Don’t belittle your own experiences, Zach. What you’re dealing with isn’t lessened just because someone else is going through something different.”