Did he just sigh?
“Good.”
“Do they know?”
As soon as the question leaves my lips, I regret it.
“Of course they do.” His voice is horribly flat. “Don’t yours?”
“I mean… I haven’t had the chance just yet.”
That’s a lie. My parents call me every week, and I always find a way of dodging the question. My mom is all about expanding her store, my dad is obsessed with his matchstick models. So far, they’ve been busy enough not to pry too hard. Though now I’m terrified they’re going to run into Kirk’s parents.
The next few minutes are the longest of my life. I struggle not to burst into tears, fighting hard to hold back sniffs, and by the time the coach sounds the whistle, and class is dismissed, my head is spinning.Most students head straight for the locker room, but out of the corner of my eye, I spot Donovan and Lewis still hanging on the edge of the pool. Kirk drifts off without a word, and I rub my eyes with the backs of my hands.
I stay back for a few minutes, frozen. Then, wiping my fingers down on my track pants, I take a deep breath and drum up the courage to swing around when I hear my name.
“Looois! Over here!” Donovan is calling me over to the pool, where he and Lewis have their elbows propped on the side. Considering the state I’m in, I’d rather drown than chat with these two, but my feet carry me over regardless.
“Were you just crying?” Don frowns.
“No.”
Lewis tilts his head. “Your eyes are red.”
“It’s no big deal—there’s menthol in the ointment.”
“Sure. So, nothing to do with seeing that asshat Kirk?”
They were watching me more intently than I thought, and though it’s weirdly touching, I find myself shutting down.
“Wanna grab lunch with us?” Don is treading water.
“Thanks, but I’m not all that hungry.”
“Why do you keep avoiding us?”
“What? I don’t. It’s just that…”
It’s just that it’s weird. I can’t describe the relationship I have with them. They’re Lane’s friends, and though they’re always at his place, and though I often see them around on campus, I wouldn’t really call themmyfriends.
“She doesn’t like us,” Lewis whines.
“It’s not that.”
If I tell them I’ve never had guy friends before, they’ll make fun of me. I always used to hang out with Kirk’s friends, and while some of them were cool, they were never my own—I’m not too sure how to handle the two weirdos in front of me.
“Hey, Lane!” Don cries out.
I blink and turn, following his gaze.
“What the hell are you guys doing? I heard you shout Lois’s name.”
“We’re trying to make friends with Lois, but she’s about to crap herself.”
“Oh, please!”
Lane laughs and walks over, tugging at a lock of hair. “You okay, Heartbreak?”
