Page 28 of Absorbed

“You can’t be serious. Driving hundreds of miles and staying overnight? Just the two of us?” He pulled his chin and head back, while staying focused on driving. “You really think our parents would be cool with that?"

“In a year we'll be away at college,” she reminded him. “At some point they can't control us or who we choose to spend the night with.”

Gabe wrinkled his forehead. He squinted at the road, exhaled loudly, but didn’t say anything.

“Is there a reason you wouldn’t want to go withmein particular?” she whispered.

“Why would you ask me that? You’re my best friend. I usually love going to shows with you.”

“Usually?”

“Well…today…you were…everything was…different.”

She crossed her arms, turned to look out the window, and chewed the inside of her lip.With Jessie, I might have had a chance.

The car was quiet until Gabe pulled up in front of her house.

She unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the door without making eye contact. “Thanks for the ride.”

“Are you okay?”

Stacey shrugged, looking at the asphalt outside the open door.

“Are you mad at me?”

“What reason would I have to be mad at you? You didn’t ruin today,” she mumbled. “I did.”

“Stace, I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to. I'm going now.”

Gabe let out an audible breath.

Stacey closed the door behind her without looking back. She heard his car drive away as she crossed the lawn to the front door.

“Stacey? Is that you?” her mom called after the screen door slammed. She came out from her bedroom with Murphy on her heels and met Stacey in the hallway.

“Why is the air conditioning off?” Stacey whined. “It’ssohot!”

Her mom looked at her watch. “I thought you and Gabe would be out later.”

“Guess not,” Stacey said, twisting her mouth to the side and throwing her palms up. “What’s for dinner?”

“I’m going out with Aunt Susie. I didn’t think you’d be home.”

“Great.” Stacey blinked slowly then opened her bedroom door. “Have fun,” she said, closing it behind her once Murphy was inside. She sat on the side of the bed and kicked off her boots. They thumped against the back of her closet. Then she pulled off her socks, threw them across the room, and grabbed a pillow, curling into the fetal position on her bed.

There was a gentle knock. Her mom opened the door slowly, then walked to the bed. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Stacey said. “It’s hot. I’m tired.”

Her mom touched Stacey’s forehead. “You don’t feel hot.”

“I said I’m fine.”

“I’ll close up the house and turn on the air. Maybe rest will help.”

“Thanks.” Stacey rolled toward the wall, muttering, “Say hi to Aunt Susie for me.”

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