I grudgingly admit it did. “Yeah. He’s a nice guy.”
She gives me the side-eye. “So you no longer think he’s a murderer?”
“All right. He’s not. You can date him. You’ve already registered for your wedding. Sheesh.”
She laughs as she pulls on her seat belt. “Good. Because I was going to date him whether you said I could or not.”
“I know. You’ve already made plans for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The one we always go to together.”
Cricket stares at me. “I’m sorry. I didn’t even think aboutit. Do you want to come with us?” Her eyes glint, and I know she’s kidding.
“No.” I huff. “I’ve had enough of hanging around you two.”
She pulls out into traffic. “I’m sure you’ll manage. Why don’t you ask Kiera if she wants to come with you?”
“Sure. Maybe.” I say it, but I don’t mean it. I’m pretty sure she doesn’t like me that way. At least, that’s the vibe I’m getting from her. And I’d rather be wrong than humiliated.
When we enter the house, Cricket motions toward my room. “Gather up your stuff. You’ve got to go home like you’re home from college this week.”
“Oh, right.” I set the pastries we purchased on the kitchen counter with the bridal brochures. As I head to the basement to get my stuff packed, I remember her foot and veer off into the bathroom. I come back with a Band-Aid and some ointment. “Sit first.”
Cricket looks at me funny. “What?”
“Just sit down.” I gently guide her to the couch. She sits.
I take her left foot and undo the strap on her sandal, then I look at the blister. “Dang, girl. This looks painful. You should have taken your sandals off. I would have carried you on my back.”
I see something in the way she looks at me, but I’m not sure exactly what it is. Doubt? Gratitude?
“You would have?”
I shrug. “Of course. You’re my best friend.”
I put some ointment on her blister, then I place the Band-Aid on top and smooth it gently. “There.”
I look up at her, and she has tears in her eyes, but I have no idea why. “What’s wrong?” I turn to sit next to her.
She blinks, and one tear slides down her cheek. “Nothing.”
I cup her face, catching the tear with my thumb. I don’t like seeing her cry. “Something.”
She smiles through her tears. “No. It’s just… you’re sweet. That’s all.”
I have this incredible urge to kiss her, which is ridiculous. Why would I kiss Cricket? We’re friends. We’ve always been friends. Am I jealous right now of Mr. Child Actor swooping in and kissing my best friend? Because I’m sure he’s going to try it on Friday when they’re on the square for the lighting ceremony. Cricket made a whole point to tell him about the legend and everything.
I’m annoyed that he’s going to kiss her, but why, I’m not sure. I’ve never thought about Cricket getting a boyfriend. Having her first kiss. Falling in love. Thinking about it kind of drives me insane.
I lean forward and place my lips on her cheek, kissing off one of her tears. I don’t know why I do it. It just feels right. I kiss her other cheek and pull back. “Don’t cry,” I say, which is dumb. She’s already crying.
“It’s okay,” she says, looking down. “I’m fine.”
She’s not fine. I can see it as more tears fall down her face. I don’t know what to do, though. I don’t understand girls.
My phone vibrates, and I pull it out of my pocket. Kiki’s calling me.
“Hello?” I answer.
“Hey, Micah, there’s something going on here. I think you need to come home. There are tons of people outside asking for you, and Tobias is kind of upset. Are you at Cricket’s house?”
