“I’m not going on a date,” I say.
“Right.”
“It’s…” I slump. Itisa date.
Juliet glances at me, her smile softening to let me know she’s only teasing. “Are you excited?”
“Yeah,” I admit.
“I’m glad.”
It’s been five days since I told Kieran I loved him, since he said he loved me, since we became boyfriends. Every time I think of it, my stomach squirms, but it’s not unpleasant. It’s like my body saying it can’t believe it. I can’t stop smiling, even when I’m doing housework or studying. It’s creepy.
I haven’t told Juliet yet. I haven’t told anyone. I want to though. I don’t want to sneak around with Kieran anymore.
“Is it official between you two?” Juliet says. “You can ask me to shut up if you don’t want to talk about it,” she adds.
“Uh, no, that’s…fine. Yeah.” This is awkward, but I also feel proud. “We’re dating.”
“Aww,” Juliet says.
I give her the finger again, but I can’t suppress my smile.
“I really am happy for you two,” she adds.
“Thanks,” I say, rubbing my palms on my jeans.
Maybe I should tell her now. We’re only a minute away from the mall she’s dropping me off at. I could tell her, then jump out of the car.
I want to tell her.
“He’s a boy,” I say.
She nods, keeping her eyes on the road as she indicates.
“The guy I’m dating. He’s a boy,” I repeat, in case she didn’t hear.
She nods again and flashes me a smile.
I take a breath. “It’s Kieran.”
“That’s nice,” she says.
That’s how she reacts? “Why are you so unfazed?” I ask.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s Kieran. I’m going on a date with Kieran. Kieran Phillips, as in, the Kieran who lives with Senior.”
She chuckles. “I know who Kieran is.”
“Kieran’s my boyfriend,” I say, just in case she didn’t get it.
“He seems like a great guy. Senior loves him.”
I shake my head. “You don’t seem surprised.”
She shrugs one shoulder. “I’m not surprised, but I didn’t know either. But now that you’re telling me, it does make sense.”
