Page 50 of Chess Not Checkers
“You don’t want people to see who you are, then leave,” Aurora chimes in.
I let out a shaky breath. “Pretty much.”
Silence envelops the room. Our words hang in the air, creating a thick blanket of tension. Marigold takes a knife to it. “Well, aren’t we just a bunch of well-adjusted humans?”
Laughter bubbles up in my chest, and the other girls join in. Soon enough I’m laughing so hard tears stream down my face. Sharing my struggles with Shepherd and then with my friends has me feeling lighter than I have in a long time.
I brush away my tears. “Thanks for talking things out with me. I don’t know what to do still, but at least I know I’m not alone.”
Each of them gives me a smile that lets me know they’re not going anywhere.
“Group hug?” Saylor suggests.
“I don’t know about that—” Aurora is cut off when Saylor tackles her to the floor.
I look at Marigold, who grins and shrugs. We jump up from the couch and pile onto Aurora.
“You’re going to suffocate me,” Aurora groans while we laugh.
“You love us,” Saylor says confidently.
“Whatever,” Aurora grumbles, but through the tangle of limbs and hair I can see her smiling.
We may not be the most well-adjusted group, but I think we’ll be all right. We’ve got each other, after all.
Chapter twenty-six
Yes, Chef
Jasmine Chamberlain
I stare at my phone, waiting for a response to a message I’m not sure I should have sent in the first place.
Jasmine: Are you busy right now?
Shepherd didn’t make it to chess club this week. He texted that he had too much going on with a big home game this weekend, but according to the schedule he gave me, he should be free right now. It feels presumptuous to ask him to spend that free time with me, but at the same time, he gave me the schedule for that exact reason.
My phone buzzes next to where I’m studying on the couch.
Shepherd: Just finished some homework. Why? What's up?
I bite my lip. Over the past few days, I had time to think about everything to do with Shepherd. I came to the conclusion that it was worth seeing how it felt to be around him more. While it’s scary, I don’t want to hide from feelings forever. My parents wouldn’t have wanted that.
Jasmine: I was thinking we could have a cooking/chess lesson. My roommates aren’t home, if you want to come over?
Shepherd: Beat you in chess AND get you to cook for me? I’m in.
I shake my head, but inside, I feel as soft and bubbly as focaccia dough.
Jasmine: You’re losing, and I’m not cooking for you. I’m teaching you how to cook.
Shepherd: So, should I call you chef or professor?
Jasmine: Neither, because I haven’t earned those titles.
Shepherd: Yet.
He sends another text before I can reply.
