Page 141 of Let's Pretend I'm Okay

He shrugs. “I’m worried. You’ve lost weight.”

“Oh,” I say. I hadn’t noticed, but it’s to be expected. I don’t have the appetite I used to. I hug his arm. “I feel great right now.”

We walk to the park and we both sit in the swings, swaying back and forth. Daniel keeps a close eye on me. I can tell he doesn’t believe me, but he doesn’t say anything.

“Are you nervous about the wedding?” I ask.

He stares down at his feet. “I’m trying not to think about it.”

“Do you still want to go?” I ask.

“I’ll regret it if I don’t.”

I stand, walking closer. “I’ll be with you.”

His eyes soften, and he hops up, wrapping me in a hug. “I know.”

“You know what we have to do?”

“Hmm?”

I pull back, biting at my smile. “We need to work on our cover story.”

He laughs. “What?”

“We need to have a plan if someone asks us why we’re there. That’s what spies do.”

“And we’re spies?” He raises an eyebrow.

My smile widens. “Of course.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

DANIEL

Olive and I take the city bus back home. She talks the entire time, filling me in on all the plans she’s made with Annie. Apparently, they’re going to buddy-read a book and then watch the movie to decide which one is better.

I don’t say much. My head hurts, and my eyes are heavy. I know better than to fall asleep on the bus, so I lean forward, forcing myself to stay awake.

When we get close to our stop, Olive pulls the yellow cord, and I follow her off the bus.

“Did something happen? You’ve been awfully quiet. I know you’re usually quiet, but this is more than normal,” Olive says as we walk down the sidewalk.

“I’m tired,” I say.

“Are you sure that’s it?” she asks.

I nod. “I haven’t been sleeping well.”

“Huh,” she says. “I thought you started sleeping better since Margo.”

I did for a while. If I fall asleep when I’m next to her, Isleep soundly, but when she’s out of reach, my mind fills with darkness.

I don’t reply, and we keep walking until we make it to the house. We go inside and slip our shoes off. The only light on in the house is coming from the office—my room—down the hall. There are voices coming from inside.

“What do you think they’re talking about?” Olive whispers.

“I don’t know.”

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