Page 73 of Don't Love the Boy Next Door
As soon as I’m outside, I rest my back against the wall and breathe. In and out, in and out. Oh my gosh. I can’t believe that just happened. I admitted to Eric that I like him. I don’t know where that courage came from, because I’ve been seriously lacking it the past couple of months.
My cheeks hurt from smiling. I can’t remember the last time I smiled this much. I do a small dance as I enter the house, then make my way up to my room. Phoenix is in the middle of live streaming.
“There’s my bestie now!” she says with a wave. “Come say hi to the viewers.”
I walk up to the desk and wave. “Hey, everyone! How are you all doing?”
“Ooh, Katie is in a good mood. I guess band practice went really well?”
“It was awesome. Hey, did you tell everyone about the concert?” I lean toward the camera. “The Rock E’s is having a concert next weekend. Information on where to buy tickets is on our website. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!”
Many of the viewers comment that they have already bought tickets and that they’re super excited. A few write that they’re running to buy them this second.
I feel Phoenix staring at me and I turn to her. “What?”
“Something’s different.”
I nod my head at the computer.
“Oh, sorry. Guys, looks like I’ll have to wrap up a little early tonight. I’ve got some digging to do. Have a great night, FireBirds.” She ends the stream and sits me down on the bed before settling down near me. “Okay, spill.”
“What?”
“I know something happened. Your face is, like, brighter than the sun.”
I rub my cheeks. “No, they’re not.”
“What did I tell you? There’s no hiding anything from me. Sospill.”
“Okay,” I say as my heart beats with glee. “I told Eric I like him.”
She leaps off the bed. “What?”
“And he told me he likes me, too.”
“Doublewhat!?” She plants herself back on the bed and throws her arms around me. “That’s awesome! See, I told you he likes you. I’m so proud of you for telling him how you feel. Itoldyou good things will come if you open up.”
“I know. Thanks for everything, Phoenix.”
“Glad to be of service.” She pulls out of the hug and squeals. “Did he ask you to be his girlfriend?”
“Not yet.”
“So how did you guys leave things? Are you going to hang out? Go on a date?”
“Whoa.” I hold up my hands. “Slow down. We just admitted we like each other.”
“You’re right. Sorry. But I’msoexcited. So happy for you. Ugh.” She flings her arms around me, squeezing me tightly to her chest. “I’m so, so happy, I think I’m gonna cry.”
“Thanks. I couldn’t do any of this without you, Phoenix. You really are the best friend anyone could ask for.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Eric
I hum as I make my way to the kitchen and place my guitar case on the table. Today was spectacular. The best day of my life. Katie and I…there are so many good things to look forward to. Growing closer to her, forming a deep, emotional connection just like I’ve been hoping for my entire life.
She makes me feel things I’ve never felt about another girl. No one has even come close to this amazing person.
