“No judgment, all right?” she asked.
I nodded.
“You didn’t do anything wrong.” She paused. “But be careful if last night was more than just a fun, had-a-few-drinks, kissed-someone thing. Bas is single, but I’m pretty sure he’s been in love with Lou foryears. I don’t know why they haven’t sealed the deal, but I think if it was up to him, they would’ve a long time ago.”
My stomach lurched in disappointment.
“I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Of course not,” I reassured her, waving my hand airily. “It was just a thing. Not a big deal.”
“I feel like an asshole.”
“Why?”
“Because I said it was none of my business, and I meant it, but now I’m alldon’t go there, Harper.”
“No, I appreciate it. You’re more up-to-date on all the dynamics than I am.”
It wasn’t as if I hadn’t already known that Bas and Lou were a thing. Everyone knew it. But somewhere deep in the back of my mind, I’d started to consider that maybe everyone was blowing it out of proportion. Gram had given that impression, too. She thought that there was less to Lou and Bas’s relationship than everyone assumed.
But Nova spent time with them. She was around them all the time. If she was saying she thought Bas was in love with Lou, I should listen.
“No, are you ready to go?” Rumi asked as he stomped into the living room. “You took your shoes off.”
“Me and Harp are visiting,” Nova replied, shooing him with his hand. “Go hang out with Leo.”
“He doesn’t want to hang out with me,” Rumi argued. “He handed me this and told me to get the fuck out.”
I giggled.
“Okay then,” Nova said, dropping her feet to the floor.
“How long are you home for, Harp?” Rumi asked as Nova put her shoes back on.
“Not sure yet,” I replied. “I lost my job, so I’ll be here until I find something new.”
“Good,” Rumi said easily, pointing at me. “Find something around here.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
“Bookstore this week?” Nova asked, rising to her feet. “I can pick you up after work.”
“Sounds good.” I nodded.
“I’ll call you.”
“My phone’s dead,” I said quickly. “Just call my mom’s.”
“Or you could charge it,” Rumi interrupted helpfully.
“Shut it.” I looked back to Nova. “Just call Mom’s.”
“I will.”
“Bye, guys,” I called out as they headed for the door.
Within seconds of them leaving, my mom wandered into the living room.
