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She nodded at her motorcycle. “I leave. The bike takes me away from awkward conversation, except when it doesn’t work.”
I’d rarely related to something more. “Do you want to talk about it? I can make motorcycle noises if it helps.”
Paige laughed. “You’re just some random dude. Why would I talk to you?”
“I don’t have a stake in the outcome.”
“You’re fucking my mom.”
If she thought she could beat me at the talking in circles game, she was about to meet a master. “I thought I was just some random dude. Besides, I didn’t say that, you did.”
“You confirmed by denial. Why do you care what’s pissing me off?” Paige said.
“I don’t like to see people upset. And I promise if you choose to unload on me, I’m not going to judge or share your secrets. Not even with Brooke.”
“Unless it’s illegal or dangerous?”
I smirked. “Exactly.”
Paige sighed. “Bryan likes this girl Jamie. And she’s my best friend.”
“Okay.” Did she not want her brother dating her friends? That didn’t line up with what Brooke started to say inside.
Paige twisted her mouth and her fingers. Silence stretched between us, and I tempered my patience.
“But apparently Jamie likes me and she kissed me and now Bryan hates me and I can’t look Jamie in the eye and everyone else at school is stupid and I just want out of this dumb town.” When Paige finally spoke the words tumbled out in a rush.
“I hated high school too.”
Paige pursued her lips. “Hardly my point.”
“I know.” I was trying to fumble my way through a conversation and not piss her off again. I really did feel where she was coming from, but I doubted she’d believe me if I just said so.
“You don’t even get it.” Paige’s huff was full of frustration.
Then again, being direct was easier than trying to guess how to be sneaky. “I do. I’ve been there.”
“You really hated high school? You’re so smart.”
“So are you. Do you not like Jamie?”
“She’s my best friend,” Paige said. “I like her enough to say that, and I swear to God if you ask me if Ilikelike her…”
I wouldn’t now. “Are you attracted to her?”
“I like boys. I had a boyfriend. Ireallyliked kissing him.”
I liked kissing boys too. And girls. Thisreallywasn’t a conversation I should be having with her. She needed someone closer to her. Notsome random dude. “Okay.”
“But I really liked kissing Jamie,” Paige said.
“You’re allowed to like both.”
Paige growled. “I know that. But I don’t like both.”
I wanted to argue she just said exactly the opposite.
“Besides, Bryan likes her.” Paige’s voice grew quiet and all of the fight seemed to drain from her, leaving her looking deflated.
