Kassidy asked me when I was finally going to make a move because her brother was obviously interested, and she could tell that I was too.
I didn’t even know what to say. I just told her that we’re best friends and that will never change.
Then Iris said Stella and Chase were once best friends and told everyone it would never happen… and look at them now.
She got me there.
But I think Stella and Chase are the lucky ones. Not everyone falls in love with their best friend and has it all work out.
After I told them that there was a chance that if Fletcher and I ever went there and it didn’t work out, that everything could change between us. Which could lead to me not spending holidays with them or visiting as often; the girls fell silent.
I didn’t say it to be mean; I was just being honest.
I would hope that Fletcher and I could stay friends if things didn’t go according to plan, but I also know I’d never risk it.
“You okay?” His voice softens. “Kind of zoned out on me.”
“Tired.” I sigh, pulling my legs onto the chair. “I have a friend who plays hockey and needed us to leave his parents' house at six in the morning to get back to campus.”
“You could’ve stayed,” he argues. “You know Stella and Chase would’ve given you a ride back to campus on Sunday.”
“It’s out of the way.”
“You just wanted to keep me company on the ride back.” He pokes my shoulder. “It’s okay, Tate, you can admit it.”
“You’re so stupid.” I curl up, turning my body toward the window.
“You love it.” He teases, and luckily, I’m not looking at him because I fear my cheeks would’ve given me away.
I do love it.
It’s hard not to love someone like Fletcher.
Sure, he can be an absolute idiot sometimes and completely oblivious, but he has the purest heart I’ve ever seen.
“Eh, not really.” I lie. “Wake me up when we get there, okay?”
“You know the passenger is supposed to stay awake during road trips. You know, give directions, feed me snacks, keep me awake—”
“I would never feed you snacks. That’s weird.”
“It’s caring.”
“Fuck off.”
He just laughs.
And I listen to it until I fall asleep.
fifteen
Tate
December
Can you fucking believe that?” Brinley swings her arms in the air. “Like, the nerve. Who does he think he is?”
“Your brother.” I shrug.
