My mouth falls open with shock. “You mean Eve Knightly?”
“Right. Knightly. Aren’t you guys hanging out now?”
I shake my head. “She helped me with Psych, that’s all.”
“She doesn’t take Psych.”
“Well, I didn’t have anyone else to help me, and I didn’t want to fail.”
“You could have asked me,” he says.
“You could have offered!”
Henry sighs and shakes his head. “If you want something from me, ask for it, Noah. I’m not a mind reader.”
I clench my jaw. That’s not the point.
The room goes silent, except for the quiet thrum of the air conditioner. I look down at my body and push myself off the bed.
“What are you doing?”
“Getting dressed.” I button up my shirt.
“Look, Noah. I don’t want to make you upset. I don’t know why I brought up Alison—”
“It’s fine,” I interrupt. “You can date her if you want. I give you my blessing.”
“You … you do?”
“Yep. If you want her and all. I don’t care.” I pull on my shorts.
Henry covers his face with his hand so I can’t guess what he’s thinking. “My mum should be back soon if you want a lift home.”
Is that him kicking me out?
Maybe he thinks that too because he adds, “or you can stay later. Have dinner with us.”
“That’s okay. I’ve got schoolwork, anyway.”
Henry moves his hand from his face and looks at me, knowing I never do schoolwork. “Okay,” he says.
I shove my hands into my pockets. It’s a little distracting, having Henry lying on the bed before me with all that bare skin. I have to remember to be annoyed with him. But not too annoyed. I don’t want to fight.
“Let’s play the Xbox again,” I suggest.
9
Eve: Combo Deal
It’s six o’clock on Friday evening and I thought it would be an excellent idea to chug a mug of black coffee. Now, more anxious energy is running through my veins. In an hour, I’ll be watching a movie with Oliver. Cute, witty Oliver. Ruby’s brother Oliver.
Before me, my wardrobe has thrown up clothes over the carpet.
What do you wear to possibly-not-a-date-but-possibly-one? Do I dress casually, like I couldn’t care less? Or do I try to look hot? That’s a question I should ask Ruby, but then I would have to explain that I’m going to see a movie with her brother.
I’ll tell her. Soon. Eventually.
I shake my head to clear my mind and force myself to get dressed. I choose a t-shirt and skirt, then spent ten minutes arguing with myself over whether the skirt is too short. I apply lip gloss then rub it off, apply it, then rub it off again. I brush my teeth and rinse my mouth with mouthwash.
