Page 78 of Falling

“Yes, you do! You have the hots for him,” Ken says, jumping to her feet in excitement. “Youlikelike him.”

“We’re not in middle school, Ken,” I murmur.

She shrugs. “We’re all in middle school when it comes to things like this. Andyou”—she points at me—“have a crush on a popular hockey player.”

My cheeks rush with heat. “I do not.”

“You so do.”

Do I?

Crushes are gross and nasty and make me feel out of control. I never really had acrushon Augustus. He just started getting more flirtatious with me and kissed me, and the next steps to that felt like a relationship. I didn’t question it because I was sixteen and stupid, so we had this weird on-and-off thing for years until we started college. But with Miles, liking him doesn’t feel weird or out of place. Everything about it feels fresh and nice and more like a hug I can wrap myself in, not something that will choke me.

I’m about to say something to the girls, but my phone chimes and vibrates next to me. I reach into the pocket of my shorts and retrieve it. I smile wide when I see a message from Gigi.

Gigi

Why haven’t you posted any pictures with your boyfriend? Did you guys break up?

We didn’t break up, G. It's been twenty-four hours since I posted.

Any updates on TLT?

Gigi

If you keep up with my posts, then you would know. But, no, there are no updates yet.

I saw the pictures at the hockey game. How was that?

It was actually fun. I think you would have enjoyed it.

Gigi

I’m sure I would have. There is nothing I love more than crowded spaces.

Ha-ha. So...

That means that you're not coming to my show?

Gigi

I’ll try, but I doubt it. If I pull out at the last minute, don’t be upset with me.

I would never be upset with you, G. Just let me know. I love you big time.

Gigi

Thanks.

Would it kill you to say that you love me too?

Gigi

It wouldn’t kill me; I just don’t want to say it.

I laughat Gigi’s last message and throw my phone next to me. The second it hits the cushion, it starts to ring again. Just my luck. When I reach for it, I see the unknown caller ID, my pulse instinctively quickening. I swipe the answer button and bring the phone to my ear.

“Hello?”

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