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For some reason, the thought that he might think himself anything but incredible made my heart ache. “You listen to me. In one short year, we’ll be out of here, and you’ll be at Princeton, surrounded by people just like you. People who care about school. Who like learning. People fascinated with science and math and education. People who worked hard in high school and want more out of an education than drinking beer, sports, and chasing tail. You’re not a dork, Barry. I just happen to think you’re more refined than the rest of us. So, no, I don’t care. Heck, the only difference between you and me is balance. I happen to have learned the fine art of teetering between both worlds. I have plenty of nerd in me. I just know how to change my colors like a chameleon, depending on where I’m at and who I’m with, and have fun doing it. Because fun is important, too. Remember that.”
A few moments passed where I wanted to shake my phone, impatient with how long it took him to respond.
“Can I ask what happened with your last boyfriend?”
My muscles tensed at the unexpected question, and I sucked in a breath. “We broke up shortly after homecoming.”
“Why do I sense there’s more to it?”
I bit my lip and stared out of the window, hating the trajectory of the conversation and the way tears stung the back of my eyes. Not because I still cared for Adam, but because of the wounds he left behind—how betrayed I still felt. I didn’t want to think about him, much less talk about him, so I shrugged and said, “He just wasn’t the one for me. That’s all there is to it.”
“For whatever it’s worth, he was a fool to let you go. If I had a girl like you, I’d never screw it up.”
His words rippled over me, landing in my chest where they fluttered and expanded, filling all the broken pieces of me Adam left behind that I hadn’t realized still existed until this moment. “Thanks.”
“I mean it.”
Somehow, I believed him.
My gaze shifted out the windshield where Mia appeared on the library steps. At the sight of her, I cleared my throat. “Um, Mia’s here, so I’ve gotta go. See you in a bit?” Without waiting for his reply, I hung up and tucked the phone back in my pocket, shaking off the last vestiges of our conversation as I pushed my head out the open window and hollered at her, “Come on! Our Friday’s wasting!”
Mia made zero effort to pick up the pace, which made me laugh despite myself, and when she finally opened the door and sank down into the passenger seat, I drummed my fingers on the steering wheel.
I stared at her as she settled inside. “What are you doing once we get home?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
“I’ll probably eat, then head to Ethan’s to avoid Mom and Dad. You?”
I bit my lips and nodded like this was news to me when I had already expected this answer. “Oh, I don’t know,” I said, keeping my voice casual. “Something fun.” I started the car and pulled out of the lot, glancing at her sideways before I yelled, “Oh shoot!” I banged the steering wheel with my palm. “I totally forgot. I let someone from class borrow my notes and we have a test on Monday. I’d better stop and grab them.”
“Stop where?” Mia narrowed her eyes, clearly suspicious.
“The Broken Record. I think they said they’d be there tonight.”
Mia stared at me with laser beam eyes. “This is just about notes? Not that you really want to kidnap me and make me hang out with your friends?”
“Why would I want you to hang out with my friends?” I asked, like it was the craziest thing I’d ever heard. “I swear it’s not that.” I made a crossing motion over my chest.
“Is Barry gonna be there?”
“Barry?” I practically choked on the name. “Why would you think—”
“Because I got the feeling the other day at the baseball game that you were trying to hook us up.”
“What?Pah!That’s crazy. No, definitely not.”
“Whatever,” she grumbled and turned back to the window. “For the record, I’m not interested.”
“Noted. Got it.”
“Besides, I think he likesyou.”
My head jerked at her words, and my foot accidentally slammed on the brakes, sending Mia careening into the dashboard. “Geez, Ella.” She clutched her door before she fastened her seatbelt, eyes wide.
“What makes you think Barry likesme?” I asked, my heart beating harder than it should. It was a crazy thought, one I hadn’t entertained until now. But I’d know if he did, wouldn’t I? I was great at reading boys. Besides, despite our note exchange, which some might consider slightly flirtatious in nature, he hadn’t given me any reason to think he was interested.
“It’s just a vibe I get, okay?”
No. Not okay. He was supposed to be Mia’s. If she thought Barry liked me, she’d never give him a chance.
