Page 19 of Meet Me in the Blue

Jesus, was it too cold to sleep in the fort? Was I too old? Would it even hold my weight anymore?

“I’m surprised he didn’t invite you to his fancy nerd party.” Nora dumped a bowl of mushrooms into the pan, the sound of the butter sizzling made my stomach rumble. “He hosts it once a month.”

“Nerd party?” I asked, and she lowered the heat on the stove before turning a knowing smile in my direction.

“They get together and play magic cards or something.”

“Magic the Gathering?”

“That.” She pointed at me. “That’s what it’s called.”

“How do you know—”

“I was at the bar last month with Travis’ sister. She told me. It’s Rook, Travis, Will, Ron, and this new guy, Ryan, aka Ry. He moved here recently. They get together and revert to their teenage years and talk about how sad their lives are. I’m sure it’s a blast.” Nora flashed her perfect white teeth as she laughed. “Text him, I bet they could use one more sad sap.”

“You’re an asshole.”

“Don’t swear,” Mom said as she massaged her temples. “It gives me a headache.”

Nora kissed my cheek, and whispered, “You’re welcome.”

All the guys from school were at Rook’s playing our card game? None of those guys were into that shit. Were they? It had always been our thing. Me and Rook. Irritation, or maybe jealousy, had my heart tripping over itself as I pulled my cell phone from my pocket.

Me: It was good to see you today.

I stared and stared at the screen. My mom and Nora aggressively quiet as they made themselves busy pretending not to watch me.

My phone buzzed and I almost dropped it.

Rook: Yeah.

My stomach lurched at the one-word reply. How did I respond to that? Did I respond at all? I was about to say fuck it and invite myself over when another text came through.

Rook: Feel like playing Magic? A few of the guys are here, we could use someone who knows their way around a red deck.

Shit.

A ten-ton block lifted off my shoulders.

Me: Right now?

Rook: Are you busy?

I raised my head. Nora and Mom studiously working on dinner.

“Would you guys hate me if I—”

“Go. Have fun.” My mom waved me off.

Nora’s smile was victorious. “Tell Rook I said hi.”

Me: No.

Rook: Then come over. We have pizza.

Me: I’ll be there in fifteen.

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