Page 26 of The Love of My Next Life
“Okay, cool. I’ll bring it tomorrow for you.”
“Okay,” I breathe out, then look back at my sandwich. “Sounds good.”
Josh and Eric leave, saying they have to spend the rest of lunch with their coach, and in their absence, Claire’s stare is hot on the side of my face.
“What?” I ask, meeting her wide eyes.
“Eric Masters asked you to wear his jersey on Friday,” she deadpans.
“I know.” I take a bite of my sandwich, stalling. “Weird, right?”
“I mean, you went on one date.One. He kissed youon the cheek. And now you’re wearing his jersey.” She balls up a napkin and tosses it on top of her uneaten lunch with a huff.
“I know...” I’m not exactly sure how to respond to this, and at my silence, her shoulders drop, and she spins in her seat, so her knees are touching my leg.
“I’m sorry,” she breathes out. “I’m jealous and acting like a bitch.”
I laugh. “You want to wear Eric’s jersey?” I joke, and she rolls her eyes, nudging my leg.
“I just feel like I’m getting nowhere with Josh. I like him so damn much, Len, but I feel like I’m competing for his attention with basically every other girl at school.” She shuts her eyes and groans. “Ugh, I sound so fucking disgusting.”
“No,” I say, and pat her shoulder lamely, “you only sound a little disgusting.”
Her eyes spring open and her mouth drops on a loud, surprised laugh, then she bats my hand away. I laugh with her, and then shake my head and hit her with a serious look.
“I know you’ve always liked Josh but remember your worth. You are so friggen great, Claire. You deserve someone who makes you feelseen, not glanced over.”
She bites her lip and looks at her hands, which are now folded in her lap. I place my palm on her fists and squeeze.
“Demand to be treated the way you deserve, and walk away if he doesn’t give you that,” I say sternly.
“It’s not that easy,” she whispers, and I squeeze her hands again.
“It should be.”
She takes a deep breath, gives me a tight, closed-lipped smile, then turns back to her food.
“So how did Sunday go?” she asks, changing the subject. I freeze.What does she know about Sunday?“Did you get your college stuff done? You still wanting to go to VCU?”
I release a slow breath. Right. I told her I was doing “college stuff.”
For a second, I want to come clean with her about what I was really doing. Claire would gladly keep my secret from my dad; I’ve kept much more damning things for her in the past. There’s no reason to hide my painting, or my new volunteer position at the rec center, from her.
But then I remember Macon.
His plea for me not to tell anyone,especiallyClaire.
Macon, who doesn’t deserve my loyalty in place of Claire.
Macon, who goes out of his way to make me feel like crap.
Macon, who is struggling with...something.... Who obviously needs...something.
And then I remember Claire’s words on Friday. Her behavior this morning. And I make my decision without further hesitation.
“Yeah, VCU is my first choice.” I try to make my voice excited. “But I’m probably going to apply to a few others just in case.”
“Noooo,” she whines, “no out of state. I can’t afford it and we have to go together. No way I can brave college without my bestie.”
