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“I didn’t take you for the kind of person who fishes for compliments.” Her lips settle into a firm line.
“I’m not fishing, I’m serious. You said I can’t help how I look. I want to know what that means.”
Sawyer pulls to a stop at a red light and turns to face me, her expression curious. I keep my face carefully blank, not sure what she’s looking for.
“Huh,” she mumbles softly before facing the road again. “It means you’re the hottest guy in school, and every girl has some sort of crush on you.”
I bark out a laugh. I know what most people consider attractive, and I’m aware I fit that description. Tall, athletic, defined features. But the hottest guy is exaggerated. Although I do find it cute she thinks that about me when the same could be said about her.
“I might be the most popular because of the quarterback thing, but hottest is a bit much, don’t you think?”
“He really doesn’t see it,” she whispers to herself, but not so quietly that I can’t hear.
“See what?”
She shakes her head like she’s trying to clear it. “Popular, hottest, whatever. The point is everyone without a double X chromosome has a crush on you, and they all want your attention. I’m a new opportunity for them to exploit to get close to you.”
“Shit.” I rub my jaw. I knew this ‘family’ dynamic would be big news at first, but I had no idea it would get spun in this direction, and at Sawyer’s expense. “I’m sorry.”
“I already told you it’s not your fault. You didn’t put them up to it.”
“But they’re trying to use you. I didn’t want that to happen.”
“I know you didn’t.” Sawyer takes her eyes off the road briefly to look at me, I think to make sure I know she really doesn’t blame me for the actions of everyone else. “Besides, it’s no different from when people find out who my dad is. I’m used to it.”
“You shouldn’t have to be,” I say softly.
“But I am,” she says just as quietly. “And I don’t need you to feel sorry for me.”
“I don’t. I feel pissed off. You deserve better than how people treated you today. We both do.”
She squirms like the conversation just got too serious. Maybe it did, but I want her to know she shouldn’t shrug this off like it’s normal.
“Well, it’s not all bad.” She tries to lighten the mood. “Thanks to you I’m the most popular girl in school, which I’ve never been before, so I’ve got that going for me.”
“Okay, A. I know the last thing you want is to be the most popular girl in school, and B. Did you just quote Caddyshack?” I gawk at her.
“And you recognized it?” She ducks her head a bit, but it doesn’t hide the hint of a smile on her lips. “No one I know has even heard of that movie let alone has the ability to quote it.”
Another question without a question. I’m starting to think that’s her default setting, a way to express curiosity about people without inviting anyone to get too close. That way she can’t be disappointed. And since she didn’t ask me to elaborate outright, my guess is that means she’s still learning to trust me. That’s okay, we’ll get there. And maybe if I take the lead, she’ll follow it instead of forcing me to pull information out of her.
“My parents went to a costume party that was a Caddyshack theme. I was only a year or so old, and they didn’t have a sitter, so they dressed me as the gopher and took me along. Dad showed me the movie after I saw a picture from that party and wanted to know what the costumes were about. What’s your story?”
“Dad has a theatre room. He likes sports comedies.”
I want her to say more but she doesn’t, so I just nod, racking my brain for something else to say to keep her talking.
“So, most popular girl, aren’t you going to ask about my day?” I take a gamble that my teasing tone will get her to open up.
“It couldn’t possibly be as awkward as mine seeing as how you’re used to being the center of attention.” She doesn’t say that with any sort of animosity or sarcasm, but the observation bothers me anyway.
“Is that how you see me? The center of attention?”
“Well, yeah.” She glances at me. “I mean, everyone sort of knows who you are.”
“That’s different from being the center of attention.”
She starts, having just realized what she implied. “You’re right. Sorry. I didn’t mean that how it sounded.”
