Page 28 of Backslide
“We’ve actually met before.” Is this weed laced with truth serum? If so, she’s in trouble.
“We have?”
“Yup. On the street. Outside my drawing class.”
“When you were not high.”
“When I was not high. Or eating cereal. When I was a happy, well-adjusted person who wasn’t going to have to be institutionalized and could hold a conversation.”
“Wow,” he says. “I’m so glad I got to meet you at least once before the downfall.”
Nellie nods. “Me too. I was an excellent human.”
In no time, the bowl is empty of all but the dregs (which she has just enough self-control not to pick up and drink). And she feels notably better.
“Thanks for this,” she says.
“It’s not my cereal,” he says. “It’s Clark’s.”
She shoots him a mock dirty look.
Noah points his thumb toward the kitchen doorway. “Want to come back with me to the other room? I can escort you safely.”
“No way,” she shakes her head. “I’m better, but notthatmuch better. I can’t interact with others. I can only talk to you. For the rest of eternity.”
He shrugs, takes a step closer to her, so they are only about a foot apart. “That works for me.”
And they are standing there, eyeing each other not quite shyly, the air between them percolating like steam from a kettle, when Sabrina calls Nellie’s name from the foyer just outside the room.
“In here!” Nellie calls.
Though she is grateful for her best friend, who she wanted so badly only minutes before, now she mentally wills her away.
To no avail.
Sabrina pops into the room, her eyes widening ever so slightly when she spots Nellie with this random boy she knows from school.
“Hey Noah,” Sabrina says. “I didn’t realize you were here.”
“Yup. Just… talking to your friend Nell.”
“She’s a good one,” Sabrina says. “Too good.”
“Seems that way,” he agrees.
Behind her, Lydia snorts.
“I think we’re gonna take off,” Sabrina says to Nellie. “If that’s okay? You can stay if you want.”
“Me? Stay? Here? Without you? Nope. Not a thing.”
There is no way in hell. No matter how cute this boy is.
Sabrina laughs. “Okay. I guess not, then.” She frowns, lowering her voice. “And I guess Sebastian wasn’t the future Mr. Hurwitz?”
Noah’s lips part, as his eyes narrow. “Sebastian? For her? Them together?” He shakes his head, gesturing toward Nellie. Draws a hand across his neck—like it’s a death sentence.
“Why not?” Sabrina demands. “He’s hot.”
