Page 75 of Introvert

"Problems?" I said.

"Forget it."

"Well, you're taking a break from college, traveling the country, touring with your brother's indierock band.Doesn't sound so bad."

She hummed in response.

Nudging her with my elbow, I added, "You can talk to me if you need to."

"I know."

"We've been on the road together for weeks, so we're almost friends now."

London gave me a half-smile. "Just almost?"

"I didn't want to assume," I said.

"We're friends, Aurora."

I smiled.I'd thought so, but it was nice to have confirmation.

Santino joined us in the hall at the tail end of herwords. "Does that make us friends too?"

His eyes were on me, and I blinked, surprised by the question.

"Maybe?" I said.

"Definitely," he said back, picking up a green apple off the table of snacks and biting into it.

"Why'd you ask if you already knew the answer?"

He swallowed then grinned. "Wanted to see what you'd say."

"And," London added, "because Santino needs everyone to like him."

"That's not true."

A pause.

"But you both do, right?I mean, how could you not?"

London and I glanced at each other, and I couldn't hold back a laugh. Santino's smile didn't waver, but I could tell he was waiting for an answer. Not wanting to leave him hanging, I nodded.

"Of course," I said.

"Good." He literally ate the apple in two more bites and chucked the core into the trash. "Then we're going to a party tonight."

My shoulders went tense while London crossed her arms.

"Party?" I echoed faintly.

Santino nodded. "It's going to be a time,Ror."

His words didn't bring any comfort.

"Is it mandatory?" I asked.

He laughed, but I was serious.

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