Page 49 of Yearning Difficulties

I’d never felt that way. Usually, other people’s closeness made me feel too overstimulated.

Not Killian’s.

I gently brushed my nose against his neck and then dared a kiss to his bare skin. I felt him freeze, afraid to move. Almost like affection from me, without the eyes of a crowd, was something precious. Something that could be frightened away.

He tipped my face up so I was looking at him.

I knew that he was about to—

‘Oi!’

Had Marcia not marched into our space in the seconds that followed, I knew I might have let him.

‘Lovebirds,’ she barked at us. ‘Costumes off and back on their racks. Now. And then get a room. Preferably one that isn’t here.’

‘So, you and Killian Bergery?’

Dad and I were walking home after the show when he voiced the question.

‘Who told you?’

He gave me a disbelieving look. ‘Who told me? It’s all over town, Zee. Besides, I have eyes.’

‘Ew, what does that mean? No, don’t answer, I’m scared.’

‘He has a look he gives you. Especially during the show.’

‘He’s in character.’

‘The Black Knight is supposed to be a rake, not a yearning, lovesick—’

‘Well, you’re the director. Correct your actors! And then remember that we’re doing the faire for credit, not money, and you don’t get to boss us around.’

‘The cheek on you.’

I laughed, trying to be more light-hearted than I felt. Something had shifted between Killian and me and I wasn’t sure how to define it. ‘We’re just very good friends.’

‘You didn’t even want me to cast him and now you’re . . . friends?’

‘Yes.’

‘Huh. Well, anyway, that’s not what I was actually planning to discuss with you.’

I stopped walking and glanced back at him. ‘What?’

‘Ma and I got an email from the school guidance counsellor. She wants to have a meeting with all three of us.’

My eyes narrowed. ‘About what?’

‘You, kid.’

‘Yes, but what about me?’

He gave me a sort of pitying look. The kind of look I despised. ‘They’re just a bit concerned about you, kid.’

I opened my mouth to say something but closed it at once. I somehow knew all of the wrong words would come out.

‘Zella?’