“Good, I’ll see you around,” she said and walked off.
“Bye,” Darren and I said in unison.
Rory followed her, looking scared and confused.
“I like her,” I said after they were out of earshot.
Darren laughed.
“You would,” he said.
“What do you mean?” I asked. Her bitchy vibe might have thrown others off, but you knew a girl’s girl when you met one.
“You like them mean and bossy,” he said, grinning as he had a drink from his cup.
“I’m still confused,” I said.
“That’s why you’re so into Cole.” He giggled like a child.
“You’re drunk,” I told him and pushed his shoulder away.
“That doesn’t mean I’m wrong,” he said.
“Doesn’t mean you’re right either.” I laughed.
It wasn’t long until Darren was dragging me out to the dance floor. I couldn’t remember the last time I had danced. I used to love it.
The night had wound down eventually, and Darren insisted on walking me home.
“My jacket stinks of bonfire,” I told him.
“You worried Cole will know where you’ve been? Hate to break it to you, but I’m pretty sure she’ll guess you were at the bonfire,” he said.
“She wasn’t even on my mind,” I told him. “I was saying, I smell like a bonfire and I kind of like it.”
We reached the bottom of the driveway, and Darren held open the pedestrian gate.
“You had fun?” he asked.
“The best,” I answered.
He put his hand to his chest. “I’m so pleased.”
I nudged him with my shoulder as I walked past.
“You meant that,” he accused.
“Meant what?” I asked, walking backwards to face him.
His smile faltered.
“Hi, Auntie,” he said.
I spun around.
Cole was about a dozen steps away, just standing.
“Auntie?” I questioned him in a half-whisper.
