She giggles. “I think you’re forgetting we’re working with teenagers.”
“And I think you’re forgetting I once was a teenager.”
Knowing I’ll get to spend two hours in the car with her makes adrenaline race in my veins. And as we drive, the amber and gold foliage grows more dense as her car climbs the winding road nestled in the hills.
It’s impossible to imagine leaving Meadow Hills when I think of her. Logan doesn’t make it easy either. But at least they’ll have each other. Part of me is surprised they never dated. Or…did they?
And then the more I imagine it, the more I want to know. As Romilly drives us toward Cranberry Pines Campground, I debate whether to voice my thoughts.
And then I can no longer contain myself.
“How did you meet Logan?”
“I met him at church. We were friendly acquaintances for a long time, but when Addison and Perry got together, we became even closer because Logan and Perry are best friends, like me and Addison.”
“How…sweet.”
She glances at me briefly. “Why?”
“No reason.”
She studies my face, takes in my crossed arms and the way my jaw is unintentionally clenched.
And then she smiles. “Wait a minute. Are you…jealous?”
“Of course not.”
“Youare.You’re jealous.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
She giggles. The sweet sound travels straight to my toes. “I mean, he is really hot.”
My stomach coils at her admission, and the urge to punch something becomes so intense it makes me dizzy. “Okay, fine.I’m jealous.” The words sound strained because they’re so hard to admit.
Romilly bites her lip to keep from laughing. “You have no reason to be jealous, Bash. Logan is like another sibling to me. And…you’re really hot, too.”
My brain stops working. I feel like a mechanical device whose factory reset button just got pressed. I know I’m good-looking, of course I do. But hearing it from Romilly feels surreal. Not just because she’s beautiful in a way that makes me forget my name, but because she’s…her.She hasn’t given me an inch since the moment I decided I wanted a mile. Somehow, this feels like a win.
A massive win.
“Thank you.” I can’t mask the triumph from my tone. Not this time.
“Don’t go getting a big head, now.”
“Oh, it’s far too late for that.”
And then my sense of triumph is ruined when my dad texts me.
Dad
Your mum says you’re coming home next month. It will be good to have you back, son.
Me
I’m not coming back unless I lose my fight. Sorry.
Dad
