Page 218 of Collided

I’m not here.

When I check, sure enough, girls and guys are gazing at the two of us while talking to their friends. I wonder what they’re saying. Scratch that. I’m anxious about what they’re saying about us—me.

Heath sits next to me and just like that, he’s the only one I can focus on.

I tilt my head to meet his steady stare that’s now perfectly aligned with mine.

“Hi,” he says in a deep voice.

My throat goes dry, and my head goes blank.

What’s the word for greeting?

“Hi,” I reply in a scratchy voice that isn’t cool at all but makes his lips quirk up in amusement.

We stare at each other and the entire world fades away. Only he and I exist.

Marie snaps her fingers between us. “Love birds focus!”

Blush rises to my neck.

Clearing my throat, I look away from him, but he doesn’t as if he physically can’t.

“I can’t believe you haven’t been to the fair. Everyone attends it.”

I resume playing with my hands underneath the table, feeling embarrassed that I haven’t been there, not even once.

“Some just don’t fucking attend, Blondie,” Heath counters back in a stern voice.

Something passes between them. Then Marie turns to me. “You can attend with us this year.”

My breath hitches. “Are you sure?”

She beams. “Of course. I’d pick you up from your house so we can get ready at my place.”

Oh no. Not my house.

I don’t want Marie anywhere near my dad. Even if the driveway is a good several feet away from the front porch. There’s a chance he’ll pounce on her because of me for some delusional reason. I can’t let that happen.

“I’ll go to your place,” I say instead.

“Or we can get ready at Heath’s place. He lives near me.” Marie bats her eyelashes at Heath who shoots her a glare.

“My house is not a fucking salon,” he grumbles.

“It’ll be easier for Hope. She knows the route to your house.”

Heath looks down at me. “Will you be able to get there, or do I have to pick you up?”

“I’ll get there.”

“I’ll pick you up.”

When I open my mouth to fight him, he narrows his eyes.

Marie breaks the tension. “It’s decided then. We’ll all meet at Heath’s house and then drive to the fair together.”

“Is anyone left? Or maybe we should bring the whole fucking town to my place,” Heath says sarcastically.

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