Page 79 of One Little Kiss
She has another friend to confide in, is what he means. I’d normally be that friend, and it hurts a little that I’m not, but…I get it.
And at least she’s talking to someone.
Also…the first smile in more than a week starts to tug at the corners of my lips as something inside my chest expands. “She’s taking drivers’ ed again.”
I didn’t mean to say it aloud, but Ryan nods again. “Looks like she’s fit it into her schedule.”
“Huh. That’s weird,” Celia says. “I thought she didn’t like to drive.”
I dip my head to hide another smile as I take a seat at the table.
Leah slides into a seat beside me. “What did I miss?”
She’s been sticking close to me ever since this business with Noelle has started to go south, and I let her see my smile now because this girl has fretted over me more than I care to admit.
“Good news?”Her brows arch.
I bump my shoulder into hers. “I don’t know. Maybe.”
I have no desire to explain Noelle or her newfound desire to get her license despite her parents’ lack of faith and the never ending supply of guys who’d do anything to give her a ride.
Including me. I let out a huff of wry amusement at the thought.
“Okay, clearly something’s changed,” Leah says, keeping her voice low as the others chat around us. “Did you talk to Noelle?”
I shake my head. This smile isn’t for me. And this light feeling in my chest isn’t so much hope as…pride.
My smile grows and I laugh a little. I’m freakin’ proud of my best friend.
I want to tell her that.
I wish I could.
And…maybe I can.
Not for the first time since last weekend, I find myself thinking about the advice my friends had given me.
Show Noelle I can be her friend. That we can still be friends…and more. After hearing her issues and knowing her fears about being anything more than friends, that piece of advice feels more pertinent than ever.
If Noelle can be brave and try again for her license, even if she risks failing, then maybe it’s time I try again too.
But this time I won’t make the same mistake. I won’t let Noelle forget that she is my friend, first and foremost. That I don’t expect or want her to be anything different. That she’s perfect the way she is.
“I know that look,” Leah says as she steals one of my fries. “That look says you’re hatching a plan.”
“Ooh, a plan?” Mara butts into our conversation. She looks alarmingly eager as she turns to face me. “What plan?”
“Is this a Noelle plan?” Ryan asks.
“How can we help with this plan?” Celia asks. “We can totally help.”
“Unless you want us to stay out of it,” Heath adds with an understanding smile.
Normally I’d saystay out of it. But I think if I’m going to pull off this plan…?
I may just need all hands on deck.
I lean forward and rest my elbows on the table. For the first time all week I’m actually grateful Noelle isn’t here to overhear this conversation.
