Page 24 of Detour

I throw my hands up from the steering wheel. “No.”

“Yes. I’m bored and we haven’t spent any time together. Let’s go.”

Groaning, I start my Jeep and throw it in reverse, knowing I’m already cutting it close.

“Why would we spend any time together? We’re neighbors, Beckett. We’re supposed to pretend we don’t notice when the other one waves and forget to water each other’s plants if one goes out of town. That’s it. Not this friendly crap you’re pushing.”

He pins me with an incredulous look. “The fuck kind of neighbors have you had?”

“The best kind?”

“Not yet, you haven’t.” He laughs. “You’ll see. We’re awesome.”

Beckett keeps the conversation flowing, basically unprovoked, as we make the short drive but quiets once we’re inside the uniform shop. Almost eerily so. Even as I spin slow circles in front of the mirror to admire the unflattering gown and ill-fitting cap, he keeps his opinions to himself, lost in his own head. An unreadable expression crosses his face when the cashier mentions the lack of parent involvement regarding my bill. Assuming his interest is solely about the money, I pay as quickly as possible then feel Beckett’s disconcerting stare bore into the side of my face when I hand over the cash. Some sort of heat rash immediately creeps up my neck and I scratch the skin raw until I feel his hand swat mine away. Still, he says nothing.

Beckett’s gloomy mood doesn’t hinder my elation though. I’m beaming from ear to ear by the time we’re back on the road. I’m actually doing it. I’m graduating. And I was able to pay for all of my graduation outfit myself—thanks for nothing, Mom—even the special medal showing I made honors. It’s cheesy and I looked ridiculous in the ensemble but I love it. Another step in my road to independence, albeit in an ugly gown, but a step nonetheless.

Finally breaking the tense silence, Beckett offers to buy me dinner but I manage to talk him into splitting the bill at a fast food joint on the way home instead.

With a fry that’s more ketchup than potato, Beckett points at the medal currently dangling from my rearview mirror, asking, “Why didn’t your parents help with any of this stuff?”

I take a giant bite of my burger before the question is fully out of his mouth, shrugging noncommittally in answer.

He nods pensively but drops the subject.

We chat easily the rest of our meal then laugh at each other’s horrible singing the whole way home. He’s actually incredibly smart and kind when you get to know him. He just lets his horny side take the lead normally, hiding what’s underneath. It makes me wonder what else is hidden in his secret depths. Someday some brave woman will find out, and I can only hope she’s strong enough to take on whatever Beckett works so hard at burying.

I’m parking just as Coty gets out of his Camaro. Instead of going upstairs, he heads straight for my car though.

Beckett turns to me and says, “uh oh,” before climbing out. “See ya later.”

He goes to fist bump Coty but Coty glares at him, ignoring his extended hand. In the next minute, he’s draping both arms casually on the roll bar of my Jeep while Beckett glances back, remaining shamelessly nosey.

I quirk an eyebrow, fully prepared to wait him out.

He finally breaks with a thick, “Neighbor girl.” It’s the most he’s said since I slammed the door in his face and it’s not enough. Not by a long shot.

“That’s what you lead with?”

“What?” He genuinely looks confused. Men are such idiots.

With an eye roll, I busy myself grabbing my garment bag but stop when he leans in further.

His tone a little too calm, he asks, “What were you two doing?”

“Go ask him.”

“I’m asking you.”

“So it seems.”

“How have you been?”

“Fine.” Not fine.

“You’ve been avoiding me.”

“You guys are so clueless. First him,” I gesture wildly at the hulking figure posted on the stairs, “and now you. I haven’t been avoiding you, I’ve been busy. But you were an ass and you know it. I don’t have any time for drama especially not at the one place I feel comfortable.” I stop myself when my throat gets thick with emotion I refuse to show.