Jocelyn was quiet for a moment. That was one of the things Steph had always appreciated about her. She was sometimes over the top and dramatic, but usually only with her own life. Where her friends were concerned, she tended to give space instead of rushing in and smoothing things over, instead of trying to fix everything.
“You could talk to him,” Jocelyn said.
“I’ve talked to him plenty. He keeps showing up. I’m beginning to think he’s following me.”
“You’ve seen him again? Since the ski swap?”
“Well, no. Just in front of the bank and at the swap. That’s enough, don’t you think?”
“That’s not what I mean, and you know it.”
Steph knew exactly what Jocelyn meant, but it was obvious she didn’t fully understand the situation, didn’t grasp exactly how he was turning Steph’s life upside down.
“You know, I noticed something,” Jocelyn said carefully.
“Noticed what?”
“When he pulled you out of the street, I saw the way you looked at him.”
“I’d just nearly been hit by a car. I was grateful.”
“Yes, but you were looking at him like—”
“Jocelyn.”
“I’ve known you a long time, Steph.”
“When he shoved me to the ground—”
“He didn’t shove you to the ground.”
“Did I end up on the ground?”
Jocelyn laughed. “Fair point. And you say I’m dramatic?”
“He shoved me to the ground and then smirked at me.”
“Smirked at you?” Jocelyn shook her head. “I never saw any smirking. He was concerned. And maybe a little...twitterpated.”
“Twitterpated? What in the world are you even talking about?”
Jocelyn smiled. “You didn’t notice how he had a major word vomit?”
“No, I never noticed. I noticed nothing but his smirk.”
“Okay. Sure.” She shook her head and then muttered, “He didn’t smirk, but whatever.”
Steph looked back at the yard. “He’s a thorn in my side.”
“He’s also very tall.”
“You’ve said that before. And what does his height have to do with anything?”
“Nothing. Maybe.” Jocelyn shifted, crossing her arms against the cold. “I mean, I know that’s one of your prerequisites.”
“I don’t have prerequisites.”
“Sure you do.” She snickered. “We all do. And tall and manly are some of yours.”
