I let out a sigh. And then I turn and drag myself back out the way I came.
I just want to get back to normal again. How do I do that?
Footsteps on the ground. Lewis has followed me outside.
“So, you waste all that energy on breaking in, and you’re just gonna leave like that?”
I can’t turn around to face him. I don’t want him to see how much I care.Just keep walking,I urge myself, but having him this close is rooting me to the spot. My body still wants him so badly. My mind is torn. He’s right here, spending precious time and energy on my car. He’s right here, and I want to ask him why.
“Got yourself a new BFF, huh?”
“He’s a solid mechanic, and we needed a third pair of hands. The whole thing was tanked.”
“No shit.” I’m not talking about my car, and he knows it. “Trying to buy yourself a little forgiveness, huh? Nice…”
“Is it working?”
“Depends what the endgame is,” I say.
“What do you think it could be?”
Who cares what I think? I get it wrong every time—and he’s broken my trust.
I decide to change the subject. “How long have you been working on it?”
“RJ went straight out to pick it up, and we got right on it.”
“?‘We’?” Isn’t March tournament month?”
“We got knocked out during the Elite Eight.”
What?Despite it all, I’m disappointed for him.
“I’m really sorry to hear that.”
“That’s life.”
He can’t see me frown.Since when is he so chill when it comes to basketball?
“Want to see your car?” he asks carefully.
Yes.
“No. I’m gonna wait until it’s dark—once you guys have gone.”
“Sounds like you still want to punish me.”
“Punch you, more like.”
“I guess we’re right back where we started—nothing has changed.”
Everything has changed.We let out a sigh at the exact same time, and I’m pretty sure we’re thinking the same thing. He’s stepping closer now, I can feel his breath against my hair. I close my eyes, hungry for whatever he decides to do or say next.
“I’m sorry, Firebird.”
My knees buckle, and I’m suddenly so glad for my crutches. I screw my eyes shut, bracing myself for the hit. Hearing him apologize makes me feel a little better—only a little, though. Whatever I do, I can’t turn around.
“Well… Guess I better head back in there. That plasma cutter is a dream,” he adds.
