I tense at the mention of her family. Of course, there’s a good reason that we never talk about Jordan. She’s forgiven my part in what happened to him, but we’ve never discussed it. Maybe we should have.
Is this about your brother?
No. Of course not.
I can recognize the lie because Cleo is so transparent. She’s unable to meet my eyes and her leg is twitching.
You know, you can talk about him, if you want. Maybe he’s not my favourite person, but he’s your family.
She sighs and leans back. Okay, fine. My brother found out that we’re going out. He’s pretty pissed, and now he’s not speaking to me.
That seems exactly like something Jordan would do; blame me and Cleo for his own issues. But it hurts a bit, to know that she can’t be as open about us with her family as she is with everyone else in her life.
It’s not news to me that he can be an asshole. So, what’s the problem?
She focuses on my floor. It’s not a big deal. Just a logistical thing.
What logistical thing? I’m not used to having to pull every bit of information out of Cleo; she’s the original over-sharer. My unease grows.
He was supposed to pick me up and take me to my mom’s birthday thing on Sunday. She pulls at the cuff of her shirt. But now he… can’t.
That’s easy to fix. Take my car, I offer.
Her head jerks up, and I try to read her expression. She looks worried? Scared?
No, no way. I mean, that’s really nice of you, but no. What if I wreck your car or something? It’s a nice car.
Are you a bad driver?
I’m decent, but still, no. Thank you, though. She gets up, walks to my desk, and starts mindlessly flipping a pencil.
Do you want me to drive you there and back? I pull out my phone to see what I’ve got going on this Sunday. I’m supposed to be volunteering at the shelter, but I could maybe switch things around.
Fuck no, you can’t drive me. They’d all see you. She sounds panicked.
Cleo, why don’t you tell me what’s really going on here? I reach out and pull her over by the wrist. She stands between my knees and looks down at me with a solemn expression.
Will you promise not to get mad? she pleads.
Shit. This does not sound good.
No, I won’t. But it takes a lot to get me upset.
She turns her face away. I know you don’t like lies, though.
It’s pretty clear you’re lying to me now when you say there’s nothing wrong, so we’re already well down that path. But I’d like to think we’ve built up some trust.
Okay. Well, it’s not just about Jordan, or getting a ride. She holds her breath for a long moment, and then the words whoosh out of her. My dad has gotten involved. And he doesn’t want me to go out with you either.
Usually, I’m the kind of guy girls like to bring home to their parents, but not lately.
I keep my voice neutral. Why would he say that? We’ve never even met. Does he think I’m mistreating you in some way?
Cleo groans. No, of course not. He knows nothing about you. He’s just taking Jordan’s side.
Something is not adding up here. But does he know what Jordan did?
She tenses, suddenly alert. What did he do?
