Page 48 of Don't Love the Boy Next Door
“Fingers crossed.”
Chapter Sixteen
Ethan
I don’t see myself on the field often, which is why I like watching Phoenix’s video of the game. But sometime after our second touchdown, she got this odd look on her face and told her fans she was cutting the stream short. Then she added some footage Katie filmed during the game.
I don’t understand what happened, but it’s none of my business. Maybe Iama little self-centered, thinking whatever is bothering her has to do with me or the game. I’m not even a speck of dust to her. If she would have it her way, the ground would swallow me up so she wouldn’t have to see me anymore.
I still have no idea what I did to upset her this much, but I decide that no matter how much I wrack my brain, I’ll never figure it out. And I told myself after the game last night not to obsess over it anymore. If Phoenix hates me…then I’ll have to accept it. And if my only relationship with her will be an online one, I’ll have to accept that, too.
It’s Saturday afternoon and Eric is running lines at Katie’s house. I notice as I peek out of my brother’s room and into Katie’s that Phoenix doesn’t seem to be around. That kind of sucks because I would have really wanted to slay some zombies with her. And I’d also like to check if she’s all right. After the game last night, I went online to game with her, but she wasn’t there. I thought we agreed to play, but I guess she had other plans.
I’m not going to lie and say I wasn’t a little bummed, and I have no idea why. This girl hates me, yet I want to hang out with her virtually? It doesn’t make sense. I don’t make sense.
I go down to the kitchen to make myself some sandwiches. As I’m eating, I hear Phoenix’s voice say, “I’m back!”
Getting to my feet, I look out the window that faces their house. Eric and Katie are seated on the couch, their shoulders pretty close together as if they want to touch but are too afraid. Phoenix plops down next to them, staring at the ceiling. Her otherwise normal carefree face is haunted by what looks like troubling thoughts. It’s the same look she wore last night before she stopped the live stream.
She watches Eric and Katie rehearse and I slip away from the window, feeling like a creep. It’s not cool to spy on the neighbors, no matter how curious I am about what’s bothering her.
I busy myself with my sandwich and thumbing through my phone. My social media is exploding with feedback from the game, and I smile at all the positive comments. Some are from little kids who look up to me. This must be how Phoenix feels when her fans praise her and want more videos. No wonder she loves live streaming. There’s something about inspiring people that makes you feel like you’re doing something right.
The doorbell rings and my gaze springs to the door. I’m not expecting anyone. Maybe Eric forgot his key—the guy’s been spacey lately. And that’s not only because his head is full of lyrics.
I head to the door and pull it open, expecting to see my brother or maybe one of my friends. But it’s neither of them.
A girl with fiery red hair and an unsure expression in her eyes stands there.
“Hi,” she says, so low I barely heard her.
I just stare at her, unable to believe that she’s actually at my house and talking to me. I thought she didn’t want anything to do with me. “Hi.”
She moves from one foot to the other, tugging at her hair. “So…we need to talk.”
I squint in confusion. “What?”
She releases a heavy sigh. “Can I come in?”
“Sure.” I widen the door, then follow her inside. We stand facing each other in the living room. Phoenix’s arms are crossed over her chest and my gaze hasn’t left hers. What in the world is she doing here?
She pushes her hand through her hair, messing it up and letting it fall over her face. It’s like she wants to hide behind it.
This is how we stay for a few minutes, with her eyes roaming around the room and me staring at her.
“I want to apologize,” she says.
My gaze pins on her. “What?”
She swallows, shifting on her feet. “I said I want to apologize. I was a jerk and I’m sorry.”
I just continue staring at her. An apology from this girl? I didn’t think it was possible. Maybe it’s a joke? Doesn’t seem like it, from the unease in her eyes.
She takes a deep breath and lets it out. “So…you’re probably wondering why I was so mean to you the last few days.”
“Kind of. Do you want to sit?” I gesture to the sofa.
She nods before dropping down. I sit down next to her, noticing her wringing her fingers in her lap. She’s…nervous? Phoenix Ellis?
