Page 34 of Brighter Together

His expression shifts.

Only slightly.

But I see it.

“No?”

“No.”

For a second neither of us says anything.

The air between us changes again.

Maybe Christina and Charlotte aren’t completely delusional.

Then Tommy breaks the moment by clearing his throat. “How was lunch?”

I almost laugh at the change of subject. “It was lovely. They’re a lot of fun.”

“They can be,” he nods.

I smile. “That sounded suspiciously affectionate.”

“Don’t tell them.”

“I’ll add it to the list of confidential information you’ve entrusted me with.”

The joke leaves my mouth before I think about it.

My stomach drops.

Confidential information.

Tommy doesn’t notice anything.

Why would he?

He simply looks back at his laptop and shakes his head.

I hate myself a little for feeling relieved.

“In fact,” I say, desperate to move on, “they invited me to the pub tonight.”

His eyes lift straight back to mine.

There.

That was definitely a reaction.

Only a flicker, but I catch it.

“If that’s okay with you,” I add.

His brow furrows. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

There’s something strange in his voice.

“Well, they’re your friends. I don’t want you to think I’m invading your personal life.”