“Sure, I’ll head over there in a few.” My gaze shifts toward where Danny disappeared. Maybe he isn’t leaving with Tori after all. I’m always overanalyzing everything.
“Alright.”
Tom sprints back to the locker room. I wait a few minutes before following, walking with a little more energy.
When I get to the building, two people are kissing against the wall. I roll my eyes. High schoolers are so predictable.
Wait. Blonde hair, a glint of gold on her cheek…is that Tori?
Oh my God. That’s Danny and Tori. She pushes her chest out, arching into him, before coyly moving her lips away. Danny’s hands stay at his sides, frozen in place. When he pulls back, his eyes are wide, surprised almost. She only grins in response, leans in, and kisses him once on his cheek. I avert my gaze.
My stomach roils as saliva floods my mouth. I’m going to be sick. Stumbling backward, my feet carry me toward the parking lot as unwanted tears flow out. Coming to a sudden stop, I tilt my head back, willing myself to quit crying before reaching Janie’s SUV. I let the wind dry most of my tears before dragging myself the rest of the way.
Janie rolls down the window and sticks her head out. Her black hair is starting to blend in with the dusky sky, styled in a low bun with a hair claw holding it in place. Danny’s tan skin and dark features are from Janie, but his dad definitely gave him his height.
She leans to the side, looking around me. “Where’s Daniel?”
“I think he’s going out with the football team and their girlfriends.”
“Oh, did you want to go, too? I don’t mind driving back solo, hon.”
“Um, I, d-don’t think I was invited.” My eyes mist over again, and I’m mortified. I don’t know why I’m emotional over this. Danny can do whatever he wants. I need to stop being so pathetically dependent on him.
The hazel eyes I’m so familiar with stare at me with empathy as her lips point down in a small frown. “Hey, kiddo, let’s stop for milkshakes on the way home. What do you think?”
I turn my face away to sniffle and then look back at her with a tight smile. “Sounds good. Thanks, Janie.”
I climb in the car, and she drives us to the greasy diner down the road from school. It has the best strawberry milkshake in all of Columbus. I swear Danny and I try to con her into giving us money to come here at least once a week.
Janie and I stay for a while, chatting about all sorts of things, like my first day, vet school plans, and our favorite romantic comedies. When the street lamps turn on, we figure it’s best to head home so I can start on homework.
I’m calmer by the time we pull up to our houses. So what if he wants to hang out with Tori? I have to stop being selfish with his time. He’s still my best friend.
That night, I don’t walkie-talkie Danny, and he doesn’t walkie-talkie me.
The next morning, I’m ready early enough to make myself a bowl of cereal instead of skipping breakfast. I venture a glance over to Danny’s house from the kitchen window while I try to eat. He’s already sitting on his porch.
He didn’t do anything wrong, Grace,I tell myself.He doesn’t owe you anything.Echoing my reminders over and over, I empty my bowl and put on my shoes.
By the time I walk over to his driveway, I almost believe myself. “Hey, ready to go?”
He looks at me, his face blank. “You’re up early.”
“I had a tough time sleeping.”
“You never walkie-talkied me. Why did you leave without saying goodbye?”
Danny has the nerve to look hurt, whenhewas the one who ditched me so he could make out with Tori all night.
“I went t-to find you after practice, b-but you were b-busy with T-Tori. I d-didn’t want t-to d-disturb you.”
He flushes and rubs the back of his neck. “Oh. I, um. I wasn’t expec?—”
“No worries.” I pause, trying to get my emotions in check so I don’t stutter. “I’m happy for you t-two.”
Can’t I just have one moment where I can effectively pretend?
He stares at me with a look I can’t quite place. “You are?”
