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“I’m sorry,” I say, imagining how he felt while his parents were on a trial separation. “It’s hard when your parents split. I’m glad they found their way back.”
He shrugs casually. “That’s when he was in college. They were separated for ten years—they never told us the whole story. But they’re happy, and that’s all that matters.”
The last words sound very final, and I don’t dare to ask more about it since he doesn’t know the whole story. Still, I’m curious to know why his parents went their separate ways. Maybe it’s the kid in me who sometimes wonders how life would be if my parents hadn’t divorced. I don’t miss my mother; I barely remember her. I only yearn for what it would’ve been like to have one.
As Gabe plates our breakfast, I can’t help but think if he does similar romantic gestures for his girlfriend. But I remember his reaction when I mentioned the girl in the photo and decide against asking him.
I pull out a chair and take a seat. “Thank you for the food,”I say, trying to keep it cool even though I’m actually starving. The smell alone is making my stomach growl.
Gabe, busy setting up the utensils, says, “Help yourself to anything in the fridge while you’re here.”
“Even John’s stuff?” I ask, trying to sound casual but I’m half-serious. There’s a tub of whipped cream and strawberries I can mix together later today.
He lets out a short laugh. “Yeah, he wouldn’t give two fucks, unless it’s your brother. Plus, you deserve it after having to endure Johnathan’s performance last night.”
I glance around the apartment, thinking about whether to text Cedric. “You think my brother will show up anytime soon?” I ask, more to myself than to Gabe.
“Do you need him for something?” Gabe asks, as he starts eating. “If you need anything, I can help you.”
I shrug and slice into my pancake. It’s fluffy and smells like vanilla and cinnamon. I take a bite, and it’s like a little piece of cloud. For a second, all my worries about Cedric and tests just melt away.
“In theory, he’s supposed to help me study for my standardized tests.”
“I can help you if you need it,” Gabe offers, speaking thoughtfully between bites. He pauses, looking out the window as if he’s pondering something far away. “We could see if my aunt has her prep classes going on.”
“Classes?” I ask, leaning in with curiosity, my fork hovering mid-air.
“Yeah. She does it every year as the standardized tests get close.” He pauses, rubbing his chin. “She’s really good at it.”
I frown slightly, as I wonder if I should add maple syrup to the pancakes. They’re perfect the way they are right now, but a pancake without syrup . . . it’s just weird. Once I pour a little liquid gold I say, “I don’t think Dad would pay when he thinks my brother can help me.”
“Trust me, Cedric won’t be spending his weekends tutoring you. But the good news is my aunt doesn’t charge for it.” He pulls out his phone, tapping on the screen with a quick thumb, his face lighting up with a smile. “Look, they start today at ten. It’s a bit intense, but she’s great at what she does.”
As Gabe scrolls through his phone, I twist a strand of my hair, a habit when I’m deep in thought. “But why would she do that for free?” I ask, genuinely puzzled.
“It’s just for family and friends,” he replies, looking up from his phone with a half-smile. “Someone’s always gearing up for a test.”
I tap my fork against the plate rhythmically, still trying to wrap my head around the idea. A free class that could actually help with college admissions. It sounds almost too good to be true.
“She also has great snacks,” Gabe chimes in, breaking into my train of thought with a hint of amusement in his voice. “We need to head to the high school in about twenty minutes. Think you can get ready by then?”
His words jolt me into action. “Yes, definitely,” I reply, pushing my chair back with an eagerness I can’t fully hide. “Just a quick shower and I’ll be all set.”
“The clock is ticking,” he teases.
I flash him a confident smile as I stand. “Trust me, I can be fast.”
As I turn toward Cedric’s room, a sudden impulse makes me pause. I pivot back, closing the distance between us, and quickly plant a friendly kiss on Gabe’s cheek. “You might’ve just become my new best friend, Gabe Decker.”
His response is a wink, laced with humor. “I might like you better than your brother,” he quips.
As I walk away, I can’t help but feel a flutter in my stomach. But I know I have to ignore it. Sure, he’s undeniably attractive, but the idea of having a crush on someone like him seems absurd. He’s nearly done with college, on the brink of medical school, while I’m trying to survive high school.
Gabe Decker is definitely not for me. Plus he has a girlfriend. That’s a huge no-no.
Chapter Six
Gabriel
