Page 56 of Shattered

His lips press together as he looks down at the offending tire. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” When he turns back to me, he must see something in my expression because he then asks, “Do you know how to put air in it?”

I shake my head, a little embarrassed. “Dad or Jason have always done it for me. I’m scared it’s going to blow up in my face or something.”

There’s the slightest hint of amusement on his face as he glances down the road, as if trying not to laugh, before he turns back to me. “Okay. Just wait here for a second. I’ll get my car, and you can follow me to the gas station. I’ll do it for you.”

He straightens and taps my roof, and I watch him walk away with flutters returning to my stomach.

...

Sienna: Thank you for putting air in my tire last night :)

Neilix: You’re welcome. I would never let you drive far if it wasn’t safe.

Sienna: You always were sweet like that.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Neilix

Sienna: Favorite movie these days?

That’s the message waiting for me when I pull into Navi’s driveway on Sunday evening, parking next to her boyfriend, Ethan’s, car.

It’s been five days since we went for dinner in the city, and our texting has gone from an innocent few here and there to a number that I feel is clearly treading the line of meaning something more than friendship. Maybe it was inevitable. Maybe we can’t just be casual friends.

I’ve been fighting it, trying hard to ignore any growing feelings of attachment and keep it casual.

I’m still cautious and holding back to a certain extent. How can I not when it’s all blown up in my face once before?

But the fact of the matter is, it’s always been Sienna who has been able to evoke these feelings in me. And it’s not just a matter of receiving attention like I once thought. Because I’ve gotten attention from Navi and Erika, as well as from others, but I’ve never wanted it like I want it from Sienna.

I like Sienna’s attention. And it’s surprising to me that I would feel that way after being apart for so long.

We still have the issue of Jason. So far, it doesn’t appear that Shane told him he saw us together. But I know he wouldn’t be happy about it if he knew—just like he never was in the past.

I could easily say fuck it and do whatever I want. If I want to be friends with Sienna, I will, especially after what happened.

But I don’t want to make things hard for her. And to be honest, I care about his mental health and the fact that he’s trying to stay clean.

And I admit, it’s also been nice hearing from him again. He’s been texting me almost as much as Sienna has, as if trying to make up for lost time.

I know he’s trying to make things right with me again, so for now, I will keep my friendship with Sienna on the down-low, at least until Jason and I are in a better place.

I smile at Adi through the rearview mirror. “Are you ready to see Mommy?”

With a toothy smile, he nods his little head. “Yes! I see Mommy at home.”

“Yep. Let’s go.”

I quickly type out a reply to Sienna and then get out.

Me: I don’t really have a favorite, but I watched Interstellar a couple of months ago, and I really loved it. You?

Navi opens her front door just as I lift Adi out of his seat.

“There’s my baby boy. I missed you!” Adi practically jumps out of my arms to get to her, and I feel his absence already. “How did he go?” Navi asks her usual question as she hugs our little boy.

“Good. I got him to try some broccoli with dinner.”

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