Page 61 of Rewind It Back

“Wait,” Luke cuts in, speaking to his sister. “I thought you already had plans tonight and that’s why we couldn’t do dinner. Because I made plans to...study.”

That’s a lie. He made plans to take Lacey Williams on a drive, so they park somewhere and make out all night.

“No dinner this year,” Hallie says. “I’m babysitting the Holmes kids tonight.”

Her dad squeezes her closer. “Saving up for school.”

Her eyes flit to me and those freckled cheeks flame again.

None of our parents are particularly wealthy. Sure, we have a nice home that’s been passed down for generations, and my parents got me a pickup truck that’s the same age as me when I turned sixteen. But neither Hallie’s parents nor mine will be able to pay for us to go to college. So, she’s saving every penny she can from babysitting, and this summer she’s planning to become a lifeguard at our local pool. Luke and I are hoping for athletic scholarships. Him for lacrosse and me for hockey.

It doesn’t surprise me that Hallie would rather babysit than celebrate her birthday. She’s going to do whatever it takes to make her dream come true and I couldn’t be prouder of her for it.

“Well, me, you, and your mom are having a girls’ day on Saturday to make up for it,” my mom adds. “We’ll go get our nails done. Do a little shopping.”

Hallie smiles at her. “I’d love that, Mrs. DeLuca.”

My dad moves behind my mom, folding his arms around the front of her shoulders, holding her back to his front before he plants a quick kiss to her temple.

Yeah, it’s a little embarrassing for them to be all lovey-dovey with each other at my school, but at the same time, I feel like I’m one of the lucky few whose parents still genuinely like being with each other.

I admire their relationship. They met each other when they were the same age that I met Hallie and have basically been together ever since. It’s the kind of relationship I want to find one day, and if I’m being honest, I think I may have already.

I’ve never looked at a girl the way I look at Hallie. I’ve never had the kind of friendship we have with anyone else. I’ve never even considered dating someone who wasn’t her.

I’ve gotten teased by my teammates for turning down other girls. I’ve had my sexuality questioned because I’m sixteen and haven’t dated. But frankly, Hallie Hart is all I see.

No, we aren’t boyfriend and girlfriend. We’ve never kissed or done anything like that. But it just feels... right. We haven’t even told each other we like each other, though I’m pretty sure it’s mutual.

I think.

I don’t know for sure, but she hasn’t really given anyone else the time of day, so maybe?

Regardless, her brother would kill me. Hallie being in high school with us was the first time that Luke realized his friends were interested in his sister, and he’s become a little too protective of her. And on top of that, our families are so intertwined that it’d be a huge problem if we didn’t work out.

So, yeah. I haven’t said anything to her about how I feel, but she’s my favorite person. The person I enjoy spending time with the most, and I can’t ignore that it feels like the same thing my parents have.

“Luke, you’ll take your sister to the Holmes house, right?” his mom asks.

“Um...” He hesitates. “No. I have to study. Can’t you guys drop her off?”

“The restaurant is in the opposite direction. Drop your sister off then you can go study.”

Luke opens his mouth to argue with his mother, but his dad gives him a sharp look, telling him not to.

“I can drop her off,” I cut in. “I don’t mind. It’s on my way home.”

My eyes flit to Hallie to find her biting back a small smile.

“If that’s okay with you both,” I add to her parents.

I’ve had my license since my birthday last August, but I’ve never driven with only Hallie in the car. It’s always her and Luke or her and my mom.

Her parents look to each other before Mr. Hart says, “Be careful with my girl, Rio.”

I nod. “Always, sir.”

Our parents say their goodbyes to us before leaving the rink to go to dinner together.

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