Page 26 of A Sky Full Of Stars

“I heard that Mike’s taking Piper to junior prom because she puts out. I bet he’d choose you if you offered him something.”A so-called friend.

And my favorite this week…

“You better keep dancing. That tight figure is theonlyreason guys are interested in you.”That one was from a fellow dancer in my class. A guy. Out of nowhere. I’d literally just sat down.

The thing is…I didn’t know any guys were interested in me because the only one I wantisn’t.

So, yeah, people suck. With the exception of Luke and—

Tap. Tap. Tap.Thomas.

My heart races as I jump up from my bed. I wasn’t expecting him today.Not that I expect him any day.But I don’t usually get a visit during the daylight.

Running my hand over my crinkled school uniform, I try to smooth it out and cringe. God, I wish I’d changed when I gothome. Thomas doesn’t need the reminder that I’m still in high school.

I hesitate with my hand on the curtain, wondering if I should pretend I’m not home. But when he knocks again, my need to see him wins out.

Taking a deep breath, I peek through the material to find his easy smile, instantly relaxing me. And when he holds up two grocery bags, mouthing the words “hurry up,” I can’t help but laugh.

“About time,” he jokes, when I open the window. “I had a killer practice session today, and I don’t think my legs could handle having to outrun your dad if he finds me here.” He fakes a grimace, his eyes scanning the yard.

“Shut up,” I say, pulling him inside. “You could easily outrun him on his best day,” I joke back, playfully rolling my eyes, acting as though there’s no chance of that happening, when in reality, my dad would probably attack without question—he’s a lot like Luke that way. Thankfully, he’s not home. “You should be more worried about Luke,” I add. But when Thomas’s back is turned, I can’t help checking for myself, making sure that no one saw him, before sliding the window closed and shutting the drapes.

“I’ve told you before I’m not worried about Luke; I can take him.” He turns back to face me as he speaks, catching me in the act. “You just checked, didn’t you,” he asks with a suppressed smirk before making himself comfortable on my bed, grabbing some cookies from one of his bags. Myfavoritecookies.

“No. You worry too much,” I lie, biting back a grin while ignoring the way my heart flutters.

Thomas chuckles, and like always, the sound hits me in the chest. This damn crush is going to destroy me one day. I can sense it.

“Alright. I brought donuts, cookies, and candy. What kind of day is it?” he asks, moving on and making it even harder to keep my feelings platonic.He’s Luke’s friend. He’s my friend. But he’s alsoLuke’sfriend.No matter how many times I tell myself that, it doesn’t sink in.

When I don’t answer right away, Thomas waves the bag in front of my face as he laughs again, and I can’t stop the responding smile from spreading across my face.

“It’s a donutandcandy day,” I say with a wince, though I know he won’t judge me.

“Sheesh.” He winces back. “That bad?”

“You be the judge. I was told my tight figure is theonlyreason a guy would ever be interested in me.” I laugh as I jokingly run my hands over my body, trying to play it down. “So…” I shrug, finally looking up to find Thomas with his hand hovering in mid-air, his eyes locked on my waist. I hold my breath under his intense gaze as butterflies fill me. He blinks a few times before shaking his head, perhaps clearing his thoughts, and chuckling along with me.

“He’s obviously never seen you rap, because that’sdamnimpressive.”

I shove at his chest before crawling up onto the bed beside him and crossing my legs to get comfortable, while Thomas lies back into the pillows. “You were never supposed to see that.”

“Maybe not, but I’m lucky I did. That’s something I’ll never forget.”

Like always, we lose track of time talking, and it’s not until I start yawning that Thomas moves to leave. The part I always hate, never knowing when he’s going to come back.

He’s just opened the window when a banging starts up from the other side of the room. “Lainey! Can I come in? You’ll neverguess who I just saw,” Luke yells, making Thomas drop to the floor in a panic.

I cover my mouth to stifle my giggles and send out a thanks that Luke’s respectful of my privacy. “One minute!” I yell back before crouching down to Thomas’s level. “Are you still going to pretend you’re not scared of my brother?” I ask, sucking my lips into my mouth.

Thomas’s eyes flash to my tight-lipped grin before he shakes his head and stands.

“You know he can get a little crazy, right?” he whispers, his eyes now firmly locked on my bedroom door. If he wasn’t worried, he’d have already told Luke about our friendship, and so would I. We’re both secretly nervous.

“That I do. You better go before my minute’s up.” I smile, pushing him outside as I glance over my shoulder.

“You don’t have to tell me twice.” He laughs quietly before checking the coast is clear and jumping the railing, only stopping to wave when he reaches the shadows at the edge of the yard.

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