Page 271 of Something Rad
“And I’m not discussing this,” I insist. “Keys.”
I hold out my hand, and Robbie looks down to it, letting out a sigh. “Fine, Cooper. You can drive my car if you want,” he says. “In fact, I actually think it’s pretty hot, so joke’s on you.”
“Whatever makes you feel better,” I smirk, rolling my eyes.
Robbie pulls his car keys from his pocket, dropping them into my hand and then reaching up and patting the side of my cheek. “Glad to see you haven’t totally given up on being the responsible one after all.”
Robbie turns away, walking over to climb in the passenger side of the car.
And I’m left standing in place, blinking in the dark school parking lot with an open mouth and the keys still sitting in my outstretched hand.
I’m not sure how many seconds go by, but it’s enough for Robbie to open his door again. “You coming, Cooper?” he asks.
I snap out of it, nodding even though I know he can’t see me. “Uh–Yeah. Yeah, coming.”
I get settled in the driver's seat, adjusting the seat and mirror as necessary– much to Robbie’s dismay– before starting the car and pulling out of the parking lot.
We’re silent for a couple of minutes as I drive, Robbie staring out of his window and my eyes on the road.
I try to let it go. I try to think about anything else. About how fun the dance was. About our Prom King and Queen crowns sitting in the back seat right now. But I just can’t stop replaying the statement in my head.
The song on the radio fades out, beginning the next one, and Robbie instantly sits up in his seat.
“Oh,yeah” he says. “That’s what I’m talking about, huh, Cooper?” He leans over, cranking upFaithfullyloud enough to make the speakers rattle.
I press my lips together, flexing my fingers on the steering wheel, but I can’t stop myself.
I lean over, turning the radio down enough so that I can hear my own voice.
“Robbie, what did you mean by that?”
Robbie doesn’t seem phased by my question, his head bobbing along as he mouths the lyrics to the song. “By what?” he asks, his voice casual.
“By me not totally giving up on being responsible after all,” I say.
I keep my eyes forward on the road, but when he doesn’t respond, I have to glance over at him.
Robbie’s posture is rigid, his gaze out the window and his hands in his lap. Several seconds go by of him not moving or saying anything before I say, “Robbie?”
Nothing.
“Hello?Robbie?”
“What, Cooper?” he mutters.
“Um…are you just not going to answer me?” I question him.
“What do you want me to say?” he asks, his voice even.
“I want you to tell me what you meant.”
He finally moves, his head slowly turning in my direction in my peripheral vision. “What do you think I meant by it, Cooper?”
“Well, if I knew I wouldn’t be asking,” I say, blowing out an exasperated breath.
Robbie remains silent for several moments.
“This is a really fun way to have a conversation,” I deadpan.
