Page 46 of We Thought We Were Invincible
“I think Jamie has a thing for you.”
I almost spit water at him, but ended up choking instead. “Hold on,” I wheezed, working to keep the truth from showing up on my face. Jamie did have a thing for me. That I was sure of.
Colby looked like it was the most horrible thing he could think of. I couldn't tell him the truth.
“That's ridiculous,” I said.
“See.” He pounded his hand on the counter. “That's what I thought. You guys haven't been able to stand each other in years. But then, he's been mentioning you. A lot. At first, I thought it was because you were becoming friends, which is weird enough. Then it seemed like more. And yesterday he broke up with Amelia who was totally perfect for him.”
Meaning I wasn't perfect for him. At that moment, I wanted to punch my brother.
“Jamie doesn't exactly have the best record with girls.” He was oblivious to my obvious change in demeanor.
“And you do?” I spat.
“At least I'm nice to them,” he bit back. “I can't and won't have him liking my sister.” He pounded his fist again, causing me to jump this time. “Sorry,” he sighed. “Look, he hasn't exactly had things easy. There are things you don't know.”
I neglected to tell him just how untrue that was, so he went on.
“Just, be nice, okay? I know you can be a little harsh, but I'm asking you to let him down easy. He doesn't take rejection well.”
My anger calmed. My brother was only looking after me. He was right about Jamie, I knew he was. I knew this probably wouldn't end well, but couldn't seem to care.
Just like everything else we'd been doing, this was exciting. The rush would eventually wear off, but for now he was my high. I thought back to that end of summer beach party when we'd decided this year would be great. We'd be great. I doubt this was what either of us meant.
A soft chuckle escaped my lips and Colby looked at me strangely. “I'll be easy on him,” I promised with a smile he couldn't possibly have known the meaning of.
He didn't get a chance to ask, because an old, lumbering figure took the stool beside me.
“You kids look chipper today,” Seth said. His voice was clear, but there was something sad about the way he hunched over the counter not meeting our eyes.
“Afternoon, Seth.” Colby flipped over a mug and poured him some coffee.
“We usually only see you in the morning,” I said.
“I was out.” He shrugged. “My daughter had to work all day, so it was up to me to take my grandson in for treatment.”
As he talked, it seemed like he'd forgotten we were there altogether.
“He'll be in the hospital for a few days under watch. Another mental break.” He finally looked at us. “Do you know about any problems with bullying at your school? That's where he goes.”
I looked away, afraid he'd see the look of shame. Meeting Colby's eyes, I saw the same emotion in him.
“It's actually a pretty big issue.” I was glad Colby could speak because my tongue seemed glued to the roof of my mouth.
“That's what I thought.” Seth shook his head. “We don't know what to do with that boy. How to help him.”
Seth looked so lost that I put a hand on his shoulder. “I'm sure you're doing the best you can.”
Colby left to go take the orders of a couple who'd just walked in and I sat with a despondent and silent Seth. Uncomfortable didn't begin to describe the situation, but I couldn't just leave him.
Kat finally appeared, taking in the man sitting next to me. “Callie,” she said. “Why don't you go roll some silverware.”
I didn't tell her I wasn't supposed to be working because she was throwing me a lifeline. I hopped up and limped behind the counter as she replaced me. She talked to Seth in a low voice as I turned away.
* * *
Jamie stayedwith us for a few weeks with no word from his dad. He'd sneak into my room and we'd kiss as long as we could without being caught. It never went further than that and we got pretty good at the whole stealth thing.
