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Rather than object, Coop just shrugged, and I sighed. I debated arguing it but decided Archie and I could talk about it over dinner on Friday. “Fine,” I agreed. “But my treat this time.”
Archie snorted. “We’ll figure it out. So, Frankie works Saturday—that leaves the party Saturday evening. You want one of us to pick you up since you have to work, and you’re probably going to be tired?”
“I’ll be fine, I have to pick up Mathieu anyway.”
“Cool,” Archie said. For the strangest moment, his reaction surprised me. “Can’t wait to meet him.” That just added to my surprise. Then we were back to Sunday, though Jake and Bubba hadn’t brought up meeting after the game on Friday and no one mentioned the movie on Sunday. But those weren’t studying, so it made sense. I only half-listened to the conversation after, the debates about assignments, colleges, and essays. We agreed to meet the following Monday for college prep as well as homework.
“I like this,” Archie said as we were packing up. “The five of us. Every Monday. Make it a regular thing.”
“Thought we already did,” Jake said. Outside, Jake followed Coop and me to the car and he opened my door. Quieter, he said, “History Buffs tonight?”
“I could go for that.”
“See you then,” he said, and Bubba shot me a wink as he slid on his bike. Only Archie didn’t seem to be in a rush to go, because he leaned against his car.
After I slid my backpack into the car along with my rose—I wasn’t leaving it behind—and got the car started so the air conditioning was running, I glanced at Coop. “Gimme a sec?”
“No problem.”
Shutting the door, I crossed over to Archie. He tracked my steps and canted his head at my approach.
“Something wrong?” He raised his eyebrows and the hint of a lazy smile was closer to Archie than he’d been since we showed up.
“Was going to ask you the same thing.” I studied him. “You okay?”
“Never been better,” he exhaled the words, all breezy and loose. “How about you? How are you doing?”
“Fine. Busy. But fine.”
“You had a date and you’re justfine?” He frowned. “You need a better date.”
“Rude.”
“Eh,” he said with a shrug. “Sometimes.”
“You know,” I told him. “You don’t have to pretend everything is always great.”
“So I’ve been told.” He nodded toward my car. “You should go, you’re not supposed to lock kids or pets in hot cars.”
Rolling my eyes, I backed away hands up. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Maybe,” he said. “Haven’t decided if I’m going to school yet.”
“Archie…”
“Go away, Frankie. I’ll bring you your coffee tomorrow.” With that, he circled his car and dropped into the driver’s seat. I was still standing next to mine when the Ferrari peeled out.
Pulling out my phone, I sent him a text.
I know I said some harsh things on Saturday, but you seemed okay on Sunday. If I hurt your feelings, I’m sorry. If something else is wrong, I’m here.
I debated sending the message. He still hadn’t read my earlier ones. Then again, I ghosted them all summer, and I’d ignored their texts last night. Including ones asking me who was in my place…
After a brief hesitation, I hit send.
“Everything okay?” Coop asked as I put on my seatbelt.
“Just worried about Archie,” I admitted. “Does he seem off to you?”
