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“Morning, darling,” he responds, giving me a broad smile. “Good ride?”
“Yeah, it was,” I reply.
“You were up early… Everything all right?” As much as Gramps would love for me to become more social, his apprehensive expression suggests he’s realizing that actually happening could come with its own challenges. I wasn’t exactly forthcoming with details about how my trip to the movies went.
“Everything is good.” I rush to assure him. “I just happened to wake up extra early this morning. Yesterday was fine. A bit weird, but fine.”
Gramps nods, looking relieved.
After we finish the chores and I shower, I head into town to meet Cassie. Spending Sunday mornings at Landry’s sole coffee shop has become a weekly tradition ever since the first time she suggested we meet there. I do homework, while Cassie tends to people watch and draw.
She’s already waiting outside when I cross the street. Downtown is livelier than it was yesterday, more people taking advantage of the nicer weather.
Cassie gives me a quick hug of greeting before we head inside the cafe. “Cute fleece,” she teases.
I roll my eyes at her. Cassie is a fashionista. I’ve never seen her wear the same outfit twice. One of the many ways in which we’re complete opposites. “It’s new,” I inform her.
Cassie scrunches her nose in distaste as she surveys the gray fabric I’m wearing. “It looks the exact same as all your other ones.”
I shrug. “It’s a different color.”
Cassie shudders. “Let’s get breakfast. I’m starving.”
We join the long line of people waiting to order. Despite its length, the line moves fairly quickly, and soon we’re ordering.
Cassie decides on a veggie omelet and a latte, while I opt for my usual muffin and a cappuccino. The barista hands Cassie a beeper to alert us when our food is ready. There aren’t many open tables, but we finally find one close to the front door.
I’m pulling a notebook out of my backpack when the bell above the door clangs, announcing Madison’s arrival. Close behind her are a few other members of the popular crowd, including Ryan James and Colt Adams. No Caleb, and I hate that I look for him first.
Madison makes a point of not looking in my direction. Ryan gives me a subtle nod but doesn’t say anything. But Colt pauses, greeting me with a casual, “Hey, Lennon.”
Madison whips her head around in shock.
“Hi, Colt.” Thankfully, my voice doesn’t betray any of my shock.
Colt nods in acknowledgment and keeps walking, shrugging when Madison whispers something to him that I’m certain is about me.
Cassie is staring at me with both eyebrows raised. “What was that about?”
I take my time pulling my Oceanography textbook out of my backpack. “No clue,” I answer.
It’s not really a lie. Based on Jake’s behavior on the drive home, I was convinced Caleb’s friends were merely tolerating my presence.
Cassie shrugs, pulling out her sketchpad. “I got accepted to Lincoln yesterday.”
“You did? That’s amazing! Congratulations!”
“Thanks.” Her smile is bashful. “I wasn’t sure I would get in.”
“They’re lucky to have you.”
“You didn’t apply early anywhere, right?”
I exhale. “I… I didn’t applyanywhere, actually.”
Her eyes widen. “What?”
“I’m not going to college. At least not in the fall.”
