Page 8 of Sing for Me
I try to ignore his sexy voice. When that doesn't work, I give in, and I listen to myfall apartplaylist on repeat.
The Saturday before school starts, I'm fixing coffee, ready to find something to fill the day, something besides thinking about how much I miss Rosie.
TV isn't doing it anymore. Movies either. I feel worse withStar Warson-screen, its supposedly comforting familiarity mocking me.
There's a knock on my door.
Shit.
That must be Kara. I've been dodging her calls and canceling stuff last minute.
I smooth my tank top and I answer the door.
Sure enough, she's standing there in a fit and flare dress. The snug fit accentuates her curvy frame. Even though she's a head shorter than I am, Kara has a presence. She always projects poise and confidence. Her makeup always extenuates her brown eyes. Her long dark hair is always perfectly straight.
If she wasn't my best friend, I'd hate her for having all her shit together.
She offers me a sincere smile. "Hey."
I fold my arms over my chest reflexively. I shouldn't be this defensive with my best friend, but I can't face anyone right now. "Hey."
She holds up a plastic bag. "Tea?"
"Okay." I motion for her to come in.
She does. We divide the cans of iced tea. Sencha for me. Black tea for her.
I pop open my can of green tea and take a long sip. It's cool and crisp and a little bit nutty. Lately, I can barely taste anything. But this tea is packed with flavor.
"You stopped trying with your excuses." She takes a long sip of her black tea and slides into the seat at the counter.
"I'm still trying."
She shakes her head, pulls out her phone, and reads aloud from it. "I can't make it to brunch today. I have to catch thisFuturamamarathon."
"That is what I did all day."
"It's on Netflix."
"Even so..."
She points to the DVDs stacked on my desk. Sure enough, the entire set ofFuturamais right there.
"Okay, that one was weak."
"That one?" Her dark eyes light up as she laughs. "You should admit it so I can stop torturing you."
"All of my reasons are legitimate."
"Uh-uh." She looks to her phone and reads off my next excuse. "Sorry. I lost track of time on the treadmil."
"I went to the gym."
"No offense, sweetie, but we both know you don't work out. You're very-"
"Flat?"
"Svelte." She gives me a quick once-over. "I don't want to comment on your body. I love you, but not that way." Her voice gets soft. "Have you been eating?"
