Page 56 of When the Fake Snow Falls

“Yeah,” Chase says simply, like it’s nothing to gloat about. “It was fun, and it all worked out because they ended up cutting me a great deal on my car.”

“That’s amazing!” Amanda says with genuine excitement. “I feel like I know a famous person.”

Chase lets out another laugh with a shake of his head, but I can’t stop looking at him. Why did I never ask him about his job? About the work he’s done? I know I’ve been trying to keep him at a distance, but how could I have been so selfish to never even ask about his accomplishments? I’ve been talking to this man every day for over a week, and in a matter of minutes, Amanda connects with him on something he truly cares about. And in a matter of minutes, I feel like I wouldn’t deserve him even if he wanted this to be real.

twenty-four

Chase and Amandahave been talking about this new band, American Thieves, for at least twenty minutes while Elvis peppers me with questions about the new man in his life. Even as I laugh and play along, I’m keenly aware of Amanda and Chase the entire time. They’re animated and laughing with smiles on their faces, and it’s hard not to look over at them every few minutes.

I think I’m succeeding. My eyes stay fixed on Miles and Elvis, giving them at least ninety-five percent of my undivided attention.

“I’m so glad you’re here tonight,” I tell Elvis with a smile. “I’ve been asking Miles if I could meet you since I knew you existed.”

“Nosy,” Miles teases, and I narrow my eyes at him. On a more serious note, he leans toward Elvis. “I told her how this is all a little new.”

Elvis nods. “Yeah.” He looks around before leaning toward me like he’s about to share a secret across the table. “I’m not out with my friends at home yet.”

I zip my lips shut and flick the key away. “Well, you’re welcome to our side of town anytime.”

He gives me a subtle wink. “Thanks.”

Miles gets to his feet and stretches his arms overhead. “All right. Well, I’m done sitting on this wooden bench. We were going to meet up with a few people at Stem and Leaf. Want to come?” He looks around at the rest of us.

Amanda jumps to her feet. “I’ll join, but only if I’m not crashing.”

Miles waves away her concern. “Absolutely not.”

My eyes jump to Chase, but I’ve already started shaking my head. Looking up at Miles, I say, “I’ll probably turn in. Long day.”

“I’ll walk you,” Chase says, and having his eyes on me sends a jolt down my spine.

“Oh. Um. Okay.” I nod. “Sure.”

We all stand and gather our things, and my heart starts to race at the thought of walking back with Chase alone. Miles snaps me out of it when he says, “Hey, Stink,” and I look up at him. “Did you bring your shears home with you?”

I grimace. “I didn’t. Why? Want a haircut?”

“Yeah. I figured if we’re hanging out all day tomorrow, you could clean up this mess. It’s fine, though.”

“I’ll stop at the salon on the way home and grab them.”

“Wait.” Chase has been watching our exchange open-mouthed. He balks at Miles and me. “She cuts your hair?”

Miles gives me a sideways glance like he’s not sure why this is weird. “Yeah . . .?”

Chase shifts his focus to me. “You cut his hair?”

I let out a sigh, knowing exactly where this is going. “Yes. I cut his hair.”

Looking back at Miles, he runs his hands through his brunette locks and grips them the way I knew he would. “I’vebeen asking her to cut my hair since I met her, and she won’t do it.”

Miles glances at me with uncertainty written in his eyes, but I just shake my head. We might be able to communicate a lot of things telepathically, but there’s no way I can describe my reasoning with a single look.

Miles looks back at Chase with faked sympathy. “Well, she loves me more. Sorry.”

Chase cracks a smile and points up at his hair, still sticking up from where he gripped it at the roots. “Well, this is getting out of hand, Candace.”

I roll my eyes and dismiss him by looking at the other three. “Have fun tonight.”

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