Page 24 of A Fowl Match

“I’ve experienced a lot of grief in my life. I closed myself off from everyone and everything for the week. It wasn’t just you…I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, you don’t have to say more.” He reassures me. His features soften. “If I would’ve known I’d never made a big deal about it. And acted the way I had.”

“Truce?” I ask hesitantly.

“Truce.”

There’s something relieving about being open. Even if it’s only a small amount. I’m making strides. They’ll be longer and stretch further over time. I will have to break down my walls eventually, but for now I can revel in the little steps I take.

“Does this mean what I think it does?”

“If you mean that we are upgraded to friendship status, then yes. We can be friends now.”

“Do you still despise me?”

“A little.”

“Good. It makes things more enjoyable.”

He grins. “It really does.”

“For clarification purposes, there’s no best in there? Just friends?”

“That position is already filled.”

Why am I jealous all of the sudden?

I shouldn’t be; I never get jealous. It’s foreign. I don’t like it.What if he has a girlfriend?The thought passes as quickly as it runs through my mind. Why should I care? We became friends a second ago. It doesn’t matter if he has a girlfriend or not.

“Don’t look so disappointed. I’m not dating anyone. Nolan and I shared a dorm room in college together and became best friends.”

“Oh. I wasn’t disappointed.” My face suddenly feels warm. I’m sure my cheeks are a rosy hue.

I was never any good at lying. And I’m not any better now.

“Okay. I believe you.”No you don’t.“Ready for next week?”

I sigh. “Yes and no. The competitions get harder each time. It’s so exhausting.”

“That’s true, but at least we won’t be arguing anymore.”

“Are you confident that we won’t be?”

“No. Are you?”

“Nope. Not at all.”

Chapter 16

Violet

It’sbeenaslowday in the shop. A few customers have come in looking for some plants, but it’s been empty otherwise. I’ve been spending my free time organizing shelves when my laptop dings with a new email.

Time: Monday, March 11th

From:[email protected]

To:[email protected]

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