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“We ordered Thai takeout the other night,” I remind her. She knows this because she’s already grilled me about her friend.
“I can’t believe you’re not, like, hanging out with her more. The last time I was there, we binge watched two seasons ofDead To Me.”
Sometimes, it’s like Skye is Chloe’s sister. That’s how close they are. And most of the time, I’m fine with that. I’m not jealous about it. I don’t need another sister. And while I know Chloe will eventually fall in love and probably get married, I don’t need a brother. I like being alone in my space, only letting a few people in and only at certain times. No one gets that, not even Chloe.
Like now, since I’m a houseguest at her BFF’s place, she thinks I should do all the crazy, fun things she and Skye do. That if I don’t, I’m missing out on something. I have no fear of missing out on anything, except maybe if it has to do with music. But that’s more like fear of not realizing a dream.
“I don’t do much TV,” I remind my sister.
“Live a little, Gideon. WatchGleereruns or something.”
That makes me laugh out loud.
“Seriously, though,” she clears her throat, “it’s working out okay?”
“Yes, Chlo. It’s all good.”
We hang up with her promising to check in with me again in a few days. I call her now and then, but it’s usually Chloe that reaches out. She’s super protective of me for reasons I don’t understand. Sure, I used to be that weird, skinny kid with braces, a high IQ, and no social skills. Back then, it was nice having a cute, popular sister pave the way for me in social circles. Well, no. Scratch that. She didn’t pave the way for me, because I didn’t go anywhere. But it was nice knowing she had my back.
I remind her now and then that I’m an adult, and I don’t need her to check up on me. But that hurts her feelings, because she says we’re friends, not just siblings, so what’s wrong with her calling to talk?
I hear music blaring from Skye’s apartment as I approach the door. Key in hand, I hesitate and try to make out what it is. After the face she made when I told her I played in Nashville, I assumed she would be a pop music girl.
She’s playing Fleetwood Mac.
Point for Skye.
