Leo laughed and said goodbye to everyone. They all seemed in a hugging mood. Maybe because this was one of the last times we’d be together at the end of summer. Regardless, I slightly hesitated when it was my turn. Something in me thought maybe they’d be able to sense something when we touched. Fran was an expert at that sort of thing.
“See you,” Leo said casually as he pulled me close. He turned his head at the last minute and pressed a swift kiss on my temple. It was too quick for anyone to notice. I hid my smile by taking a few sips of my soda.
I waited for a half-hour before making my excuse. It felt more natural that way and none of them were surprised to hear I was tired this early in the night.
“Our very own grandma of the group,” Claire said as she walked me to the door. “Thank you for taking on the role, because I enjoy being the cool aunt. I think it matches with my aesthetic better.”
“I do have a grandma aesthetic,” I agreed while tugging on my worn, brown knit cardigan. There was nothing cute about the frumpy mess, but it was soft, so that’s all that mattered.
“You do.” She paused at the door to hug me and whispered, “How are you and Leo? Good, I hope since you’re leaving so early.”
I chewed on my lip and shrugged when we pulled away. She mimicked my shrug as she laughed.
“Okay, Miss. Secretive. I also saw you sent in the script,” she said. “How’d it turn out?”
“Good, actually. Better than I thought.” I nodded. “I had some company while writing.”
“I’m glad. Company while writing is always the best.”
“You would know, wouldn’t you?” I wiggled my eyebrows and glanced over at Derek. He seemed to get along with everyone. Despite being a few years older than us, he fit in well. He also seemed very conscious about stepping on Nate’s toes. I couldn’t sense any negative tension between the two. I think my brother was finally growing up. I’d tease him later about my being so proud of him. It wasn’t a joke, but I’d frame it that way cause he’d feel weird with me getting all gushy.
“I would?” Claire looked genuinely confused. “Damn. Who am I hanging out with? Let me know so I can be excited too.”
I tilted my head to the side. “Girl, come on. Derek. All night.”
“Oh.” Her face fell, losing her hope of excitement. She waved a dismissive hand. “I’m not Derek’s type.”
“Really? He bought that expensive vegan chocolate from your favorite store and told all of us to not touch it unless our names started with C and ended in air.”
“He said he was in the area.”
“That area is an hour’s drive away from here,” I said, with ‘come on’ written all over my face. “He worked eight hours today. Yet he found time to shower and drive a town over for over-priced chocolate. A person not into you would have just gone to bed.”
Claire froze and thought for a second. “Oh shit. I think I might be Derek’s type.”
I laughed. “Without a doubt.”
“Damn,” she whispered and opened the door for me.
“Are you going to go for it?” I stepped onto her porch and glanced over my shoulder.
“We’re friends.” She shook her head even though I could tell her mind was racing with consideration. “I haven’t been this close to someone in a while. I don’t want to ruin it.”
“You might not,” I said.
She smiled. “You know about that, don’t you?”
“I’m learning.” I grinned and gave her one last hug goodnight.
