Page 71 of Anyone But Her

"Like distracted or something."

"Not really, but I don't really know her that well so it's hard to say."

"I wonder if she's seeing someone."

Now I'm the one feeling nervous but I do my best to hide it.

"Why do you think she's seeing someone?"

"She's been quieter than normal. She usually talks a lot but since we picked her up at college she hasn't said much."

"If she had a boyfriend, wouldn't she tell you?"

"No. She thinks my dad and I would kill the guy so she tries to keep her dating life a secret."

"Would you? Kill the guy? I mean, obviously you wouldn't kill him but what exactly would you do to the guy? Assuming she's dating someone."

"Take him aside. Tell him if he hurts my sister I'll bash his face in." Cal extends his legs and puts his hands behind his head, staring out at the pool.

"That's kind of extreme, isn't it?"

"Dude, she's my sister. I gotta watch out for her. It's my job. If you had a sister you'd do the same."

"But as long as he treats her well, you're good with him dating her?"

"I don't want her dating anyone. Guys are assholes."

"She's nineteen. She's going to date. And who knows? Maybe you'll like the guy."

"I guarantee I won't."

Does he really mean that? If he knew about Taylor and me, would it end our friendship? I'd like to think it wouldn't but I'm pretty sure it would.

But I can't help how I feel. Taylor's the girl I want. The girl I can see a future with. The more time I spend with her, the more I know that's true.