“Lou made out with Banker-Boy on her lunch date today.”
“Wait, what? I didn’t know you went out with him today!” I twist on the couch to face Lou, who is giving Talia a verystern glare that she immediately flips to a smile when she realizes I’m looking at her. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Well, up until a few hours ago, I thought you were still mad at me.”
I wince but can’t argue. I finally called both of my friends earlier today and apologized for getting so upset, which is why we’re having a girls’ night—to put the bad week behind us.
“And yes, we made out on our lunch date earlier today. But I’m taking itslow. Slow-and-Steady Lou, that’s me.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you’re seeing him so much now?” I push as I grab another handful of crack-corn.
Lou grimaces. “You’ve been kind of ... preoccupied.” She hurries to add, “Understandably! There hasn’t really been a good time to bring it up.”
“And you weren’t talking to me,” Talia points out. “I tried calling, like, a million times.”
“Okay, that’s fair.” I exhale. “I’m sorry, guys. I’m kind of a mess.”
Lou sits next to me and puts her arm around my shoulders. “But a very cute mess.”
I laugh weakly. “Har har.”
“HowisFarmor? Has there been any more progress?” Talia asks.
“I thought she squeezed my hand today,” I say, and both of their eyes widen. “But I don’t know; maybe I was imagining things. Ididsee her eyes move for sure a couple of times. They say that’s a good sign.”
“Sheisgoing to wake up soon, and when she does, she’s going to shock everyone by being totally fine. Trust me. I have a feeling. She’s a tough Swede—like her granddaughter.” Lou hugs me tighter, and I lean into her embrace.
“All right, all right, enough of the heavy stuff,” Talia bursts out. “This is supposed to be a stress-free zone. All sad topics are off-limits.AndI think Liv has something to share with the class,” Talia adds. “Because a little birdie—we’ll call him Austin—told me you canceled your date with him tonight because you like Hunter.”
My jaw falls open. “Hedidn’t.Ididn’t!”
Both girls level fess-up-now looks at me.
“I didnot!” I repeat, exasperated.
“Are you or are you not going out with Hunter tomorrow night?”
“She is,” a deep, husky voice says from the kitchen, and I shriek, clutching my chest.
“Seriously, Hunter?” Lou shouts. “This is agirls’ night!”
“Wait—he just confirmed they’re going out!” Talia shouts even louder.
I pull the blanket covering my legs up over my head, wishing I could sink into the cushions and disappear.
“You told me you’re having amovienight ... I didn’t realize I wasn’t invited. I do live in this duplex, remember? Where am I supposed to go?”
“The gym? The library? I don’t care—just not here,” Lou says.
“Ouch. Thelibrary? What am I, twelve?”
“You and Livvy are going out tomorrow?” Talia presses. “Do you like ...likeher?Areyou why she canceled her date with Austin?”
“She canceled her date with Austin?” Hunter counters, surprised and a little too delighted.
“Make it stop, make it stop,” I mumble, curling into a ball under my defense blanket.
“Wait—is that my mom’s crack-corn?” Hunter suddenly diverts.
