“So?”
“So…what?”
“Stop being such a weirdo,” I say, punching him in the chest. “You can’t fall off the face of the earth, then act like it’s nothing. What’s going on with you? Where have you been? And why are you hanging out at the library?”
Teddy rubs at the spot where I hit him, attempting a wounded look, but his eyes give him away: they’re sparkling with laughter.
“I told you,” he says. “I’ve been working.”
“Onwhat?”
“Just some stuff,” he says, then does a quick sidestep before I can swipe at him again. “I can’t tell you yet, but soon, okay? I promise.”
I fold my arms. “Fine,” I say. “But…”
“Yeah?”
“Are we okay?”
He nods. “Of course.”
“I just mean…well, ever since we got back from the trip, you’ve sort of disappeared.”
“I know,” he says, and then does something he’s never done before. He reaches out and tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear, sending a shiver through me. “But we’re okay. I promise.”
I nod. “Okay.”
“A little bird told me you picked Northwestern,” he says with a smile. “That’s big news. I didn’t even know you were really considering it. Especially after our trip.”
“I know,” I say a little sheepishly. “It was kind of unexpected, but I ended up changing my mind.”
He nods with approval. “You’re allowed,” he says, then clears his throat. “As you know, I’m not much of a fan of college myself—”
“Which we’re not finished discussing.”
“—but I’m a very big fan of the location.” He looks likehe’s about to say more, then stops himself. “So congrats.”
“Thanks,” I tell him. “I’m really happy about it.”
“Well, I’m happy you’re happy,” he says. “And guess what? My last offer in the building was just accepted. Which means I now own the whole thing.”
“Wow,” I say, widening my eyes. “Does your mom knowyet?”
He shakes his head. “I just found out. I’m gonna tell her when I get home.”
“I still can’t believe you bought a whole building. I mean, I can…obviously. But a few months ago, this would’ve been…”
“Impossible,” he says with a smile.
“So when do you get to move in?”
“Next month. There’ll still be a bunch of construction going on, but the contractor promised at least one of the floors would be livable by then. I guess there’s not really a rush, but I’m just excited. It feels like it’s time for a fresh start.”
I get the uneasy feeling he’s talking about more than just the apartment. I think about his recent distance, wondering what it means and whether he’s finally drifting away from me. The thought makes me want to grab his hand and refuse to let go.
He rocks back on his heels. “Anyway, I’ve got to run. But congrats again on Northwestern.”
“Thanks,” I say. “Congrats on the new place.”
