“We’re … friends.” It’s the truth, I realise.
“Are you sure she’s not in love with you?” Kaito asks.
“I’m sure.”
“Are you certain that you’re not in love with her?” Declan asks.
My eyes find Henry. His throat bob as he swallows. “I’m certain,” I answer.
If I had any worries that Henry was mad at me, they disappear during the last period of school, when he suggests catching a bus to the centre of town. We would do that all the time last year — wander through shops, buy food, and talk about whatever. After our first kiss, we’ve only gone once or twice, and while I’m not sure, I can guess the reason. Eating at a restaurant with just us, alone, is dangerously close to a date.
I agree, and text Ben to let him know he doesn’t have to pick me up. Rather than pay attention to the teacher, Henry and I make plans for where we’ll go. Excitement flutters in my stomach as I wait for the last bell of the day to ring.
When the bell rings, Henry and I dart to our lockers, pack our bags, and head towards the school bus that passes the mall in the centre of town.
“So it’s agreed, we’re eating burgers,” Henry says as we board the bus.
“I haven’t had burgers in months.” We sit in the second last row, Henry’s leg warm against mine.
“That’s why I’m taking you there. You’re too healthy.”
I raise a brow. “Healthy?”
“You know what I mean.”
“Enlighten me.”
Henry huffs. “Your body.”
“My body?”
“Don’t play dumb. You know what I mean.”
“I thought you liked my body,” I say with a smirk.
Henry knocks my knee, pretending to be annoyed, but his eyes are alight. “I’m treating you. When was the last time you ate junk, hmm? You should thank me.”
I open my mouth to mention the chocolate I bought with Eve but stop myself. Mentioning Eve would sour the mood.
The trip takes longer than usual because the bus pauses every couple of minutes to let students off. Henry and I chat to nearby Year 12s about the upcoming social, but I wish they’d leave us alone. I want Henry all to myself.
When we step off the bus, we’re surrounded by tall concrete and brick buildings. They’re nowhere as tall as skyscrapers in cities — they’re only ten stories tall at most — but it’s a lot different from the rest of Easton, where the skyline is clear. Cars clog the roads as Henry and I walk to the mall, passing trendy clothing stores and chain department stores.
We arrive at a popular burger joint with bright yellow and red walls, and take a seat in the corner, tucking our school bags under the table. There are quite a few students here, but they all wear the red uniforms of the public school or the stuffy green of the Catholic school. After ordering a burger each and chips to share, Henry runs a hand through his hair.
“You know who’s driving me up the wall?”
“Tiana?” I guess.
“How did you know?”
I shrug. Tiana drives everyone up the wall, and over the past couple of days, Kaito has complained about her more than usual. “What did she do this time?” I pour us both a glass of complimentary tap water.
“Nothing major. She asked if Kaito and her could stay over at mine after the party. I said no, of course.”
My hand shakes, almost spilling the water. “She askedyou?”
“Yeah. They wanted a night away from their families and there’s no way I’m letting them have sex at my house.I’mgoing to have to clean the sheets, and besides, I thought you could come over …” his suggestive smile fades. “Noah?”
