“What’s up with that? I noticed he kind of had an attitude.”
“I think he feels really overprotective about me, and I think he thinks I don’t make the best decisions in relationships because of …” I stare at her, and she nods slowly.
“Yeah, I know.” She reaches over and squeezes my hand. “So, what’s up with you and Luke?”
“What do you mean, what’s up?”
“That kiss earlier … it looked real.”
“It was real,” I say, laughing.
“I know it was real, but it lookedreal, real, like passionate.”
“Oh, no way,” I say quickly. “I saw Rex and Andi and Talia were here. He saw them as well, so we put our all into it. You know we’re good at this. I was in the drama club in school, and, well, Luke can just follow my lead. You know he’s good at stuff like that.”
“Yeah, I guess.” Her eyes narrow, and she leans closer to me. “You’re not catching feelings for him or anything, are you?”
“Are you joking?”
“No.” She shakes her head. “I’m just wondering if?—”
“It’s just an act for the summer. It’s just for two weeks for the wedding. You know this, girl. We’re doing this because Rex is a jackass.” My voice is slightly too high, and I’m not sure why.
“Yeah, sure.” She nods slowly. “I get it, if that’s what you’re saying.”
“Yeah, that’s what I’m saying.” I sigh suddenly, not able to keep it in any longer. “Okay, do not tell anyone this.”
“Who am I going to tell?” She grins. “You’re my best friend.”
“He’s kind of cute, right?” I whisper. “Like sexy cute.”
“Who?”
“Luke, duh. That’s who we’re talking about.”
“I know.” She giggles. “I was just joshing you.”
“This is going to sound crazy, but has he always been this cute?”
“I don’t know. He looks the same to me.” Juniper shrugs. “Not to be mean, he’s not my type, but I guess I can see why women would find him attractive.”
“He used to be all skin and bones and lean and gangly and zitty. Shit, I remember when his face was like a washboard.” I start laughing. “But now he’s freaking tall and muscular, and he’s got those deep blue eyes and that silky, dark hair, and have you seen his abs? And, yes, I saw his abs today.”
“Ooh. He’s so built. You must have noticed that.”
“It’s hard not to.” I groan. “Of course I would never act on that. For one, he’s my best friend, aside from you, of course.”
“I know I’m your female best friend, and he’s your male best friend.” She smiles, her eyes searching mine. “So, you’re into him?”
“No, I just … it’s complex. I just think that there’s no point in us doing anything or exploring anything because he lives in New York and I live here, and it would totally ruin our friendship if we were to go any further than we currently have.”
“I don’t think it would ruin your friendship. It’s not like you guys have done anything. A kiss is just a kiss.”
“Yeah, exactly. I kiss men all the time, and it means nothing.” I don’t explore intimately with men all the time though, but I decide not to share that information with her.
“Exactly.”
“There y’all are.” Josie comes running toward us. “I’ve been looking for you, girls.”
