“He works at the observatory,” he says, unamused.
“Sure he does, Gavin,” I say, playing along. “And I bet he’s really smart, good-looking, athletic, and all the things you imagined him to be.” Just then, a guy who eerily fits the description I uttered approaches us. I’m stunned by his sudden appearance. I wonder if it would work if I wished for a different life.
Nope. Still here.
“Sorry about the wait,” he says, handing Gavin a coffee. Then he sits down in the booth across from him.
Thisis Gavin’s new friend?
Chapter 13
After moving to an alternate universe where up is down and left is right, it shouldn’t be a surprise to me to finally see the perks of having an older brother. Gavin actually made a friend who not only seems normal but is cute.
After thanking his new friend for the coffee, Gavin brings the cup to his lips, eyeing me in that annoying I-told-you-so way. As soon as he takes his first sip, however, his expression changes.
“I should mention that Blaire Labs might have state-of-the-art technology when it comes to radio frequency telecommunications, but it is quite lacking when it comes to craft coffee,” the guy says to Gavin.
“No, it tastes great,” Gavin says unconvincingly.
I’ve been standing here, listening to their exchange, andno onehas acknowledged me for an alarmingly long time. I clear my throat in case Gavin’s new friend has some rare condition that affects his peripheral vision. They both turn to me.
“Oh, hello,” I say, shifting my stance to face the guy. “Gavin was just telling me about his new friend. And any friend of Gavin’s is a friend of mine.”
“Is that so?” he says, his eyes flicking between me and Gavin. “Then it’s nice to meet you. I’m Brennan.” His smile reveals a set ofbeautifully aligned teeth that nicely complement his strong jawline.
Yes, Chef.
“Is this your sister?” Brennan guesses when Gavin doesn’t offer an introduction.
“I don’t like labels,” I say, wrinkling my nose.
Gavin rolls his eyes. Unable to ignore me any longer, he finally introduces us. “Elena is my annoying little sister,” he says with an air of superiority.
“His younger, more sophisticated sister.” I wrinkle my nose and smile at him.
Brennan turns to Gavin. “I didn’t know you had a sister. She should join us. There’s plenty of room in the booth.”
“She’s not staying—” Gavin says at the same time that I say, “I’d love to.”
Brennan scratches the back of his head, confused. With great reluctance Gavin scoots over. I mean, I somehow manage to slide into the booth and sit shoulder to shoulder with him without retching. Would it kill him to try? Although it does help to be sitting across someone as genetically blessed as Brennan. And I’m even willing to overlook his worst flaw: befriending Gavin.
“Can I get you anything?” Brennan asks.
“Thank you, but my drink is coming.” I detect a slight drawl in his accent. Not quite Southern, but like someone from the mid-Atlantic region. “You must not be from around here. You’re too charming.” I point a finger at him with a wink.
“I think I’m going to be sick,” Gavin mutters loudly.
“Oh no. Are you okay? I hope it’s not the coffee.” All of a sudden I lose Brennan’s interest to Gavin’s sarcastic remark.
“What? No, I’m kidding. I was just…” Gavin hesitates and looks as if he’s going to explain himself while debasing me, but hesomehow doesn’t. “It’s just a little gas. I feel better already.”
“Ew,” I let out by accident. I know people aren’t Gavin’s strong suit, but honestly could he not have thought up a more socially acceptable cover-up story?
Just then Callie approaches us.
“Oh, hi. I didn’t know you’d be here,” Callie says to Gavin. “What’s up, Supernova?” she says to Brennan.
“Calamity.” He nods back at Callie.
