“And don’t forget about the time they kissed,” Stella adds. “This boy talked about that kiss formonthsafter it happened.”
“Wait, I’m sorry,” My mama’s eyes go wide, “you kissed? When did this happen?”
“Thanks, Stels.”
“Who knew about this?” Mom asks. Stella and Chase look at each other but don’t say a word. “Chase? You knew, too?”
“The guys knew about it,” I begin. “And Brinley, obviously because Tate told her. And I told Stella because the morning after it happened, I needed someone to talk to and give me advice, and she let it slip to Chase. But obviously, that kiss led to nothing, so.”
“What happened?” Mom leans forward.
“She didn’t feel the same way.”
“Oh, you’re such an idiot.” Freddie shakes his head. “I was home a couple of times a year when you were in high school, and I’m telling you that girl was head over heels in love with you.”
“Why do you think she dated that loser?” Chase stretches, throwing an arm behind Stella. “What was his name?”
“Lucas,” Stella replies. “Did you really think it was a coincidence they broke up right after you and Ester?”
“Yeah, I did.”
“Little brother.” Freddie gets up and pats my head. “You’re so naïve.”
“What?”
“I’m going to bed. Someone, please talk some sense into this guy.”
“You think she had feelings for me?” I look around the room as Freddie leaves.
“I wouldn’t say that she didn’t have feelings for you.” Mom leans back against the base of the couch.
“If you guys knew how I felt and knew she felt the same, why didn’t you sayanything?”
“I always thought you guys knew you both had feelings, but didn’t want anything to change your friendship.” Mama shrugs. “I guess we were wrong.”
“Can we please get back to the kiss?” My mom changes the subject. “When did it happen? In high school?”
“Obviously.” I run a hand through my hair. “And when I went to talk to Tate about it, she basically told me it was a mistake because we were—”
Should I mention we were drunk when it happened? Is that something you bring up with your parents?
“Fletcher, we aren’t stupid. We know you guys drank in high school. Do you think Elsie Harris didn’t tell us about all the times she picked you up and brought you to her house so you boys could sleep it off?” Mom smiles.
“We’re just happy you did it responsibly,” Mama adds.
“Then yes, we had been drinking. She chalked it up to just being in the moment.”
“Did she?” Stella asks. “Or did you go to her house and only hear what you wanted?”
“She told me it was silly and that we were drunk. I don’t know how else that could be interpreted.”
“How did she say it?”
“I don’t know, Stels. Exactly how I just did, I guess.”
“Did you ever think maybe she thought you were going over there to reject her?”
“Or, you guys were wrong, and she didn’t feel the same way. It’s fine, okay, it was a long time ago. We’ve both moved on.”
