“Probably both," she chuckles.
We talk for a bit longer, as Mave tells me about all the caster boys that she thinks are worth paying attention to and catches me up on some local gossip. I have no idea about any of the people she’s talking about, but it’s fun to listen to her animated assessments.
I get lost in the easy back and forth of ourstory exchange,and I feel lighter than I have in days. Eventually, I check out and we exchange phone numbers, promising to do something soon. I walk out feeling excited about the new books and the new friend I made. As I make my way to the Jeep, I spot the sisters walking my way.
“Well, well, well what do we have here?” I tease getting their attention.
“Vinna love, what are you up to on this lovely afternoon?”
I point to the bags of books I just purchased. “I’m stocking up and poking around town.”
“We’re just headed to lunch. Join us," Lila tells me snaking her dainty arm through mine.
“Are you sure? I don’t want to interrupt girl time.”
“Well you are a girl, so you’d be adding to it not interrupting it," Adelaide reassures me.
“Have you had Indian food before? That’s where we’re headed.”
I shake my head and smile. “If you three like it I’m sure it’s amazing.”
We’re led to a table and handed menus. I don’t get much of a chance to look at it though because people keep stopping by the table to sayhito the sisters.
“Everyone here seems to know you guys. Do you come here a lot?” I ask, after the manager and several different waiters stop by to greet them and chat for a bit.
“We come here a lot," Birdy smiles fondly. “We’ve been eating here a couple of times a month for ages, but I also think the presence of a certainmysterious nieceat our table is making us far more popular than we normally are.” She winks at me.
“How does everyone know about me?” I ask, taking a bite of something that was just delivered to the table.
“Wow, that’s good. What is this?”
“They’re called pakoras. Try it with this sauce," Lila tells me.
I proceed to stuff my face shamelessly, but the sisters are aware of my table manners or the lack thereof when it comes to good food, and they just smile at me encouragingly.
“Gossip travels fast around here. You’re currently the talk of the town," Lila confesses.
I groan irritably.
“Don’t worry. It will start to die down when everyone gets used to seeing you around,” Birdie tells me.
“But speaking of gossip… what’s going on with you andthe boys?” Adelaide asks, trying and failing at sounding casual and barely interested.
I choke on the food in my mouth and start coughing loudly. I gulp water to clear everything away and take in the sisters’ plucky grins.
“Nothing really, why?” I hedge.
“Just curious, I thought you guys were getting along, but lately you’re more subdued and seem to be avoiding them. Did something happen?”
I look at each of their eager faces which are patiently waiting for me to answer. I fidget in my seat for a minute debating if it’s weird to talk to them about what’s going on. I’m out of my depth though, so maybe it’s worth a shot. I take a deep breath and start to explain.
“We do get along, and I have fun with them. I click with them in a way I’ve never had before.” I take a sip of the mango drink Adelaide told me I had to try. Shit, that’s amazing. I point to the drink and give her a thumbs-up before continuing. “But it’s also intense in a way that freaks me out. I’m attracted and drawn to them, and I don’t know how to be around them without looking at them that way or wanting things I probably shouldn’t.”
All three of them nod their heads in understanding. I sigh and drown my sorrows in mango deliciousness, and it’s quiet for a minute.
“Do they not want things to go further?” Lila asks me. “Because that is not the impression I get when I observe you all together, or overhear their conversations," she says with a sweet smile and then gives me a wink. I can’t help but chuckle.
“Um, I think most of them are good with letting things… progress, but Sabin made some points that have me questioning whether that’s a good idea.” I look at my hands. “Since then I’ve been taking a step back, trying to sort through what I think and feel about everything.”
