Page 39 of Searching for Nova

What if I told him I did? I wouldn’t have to tell him how I know her or when I met her. I could make something up.

“I do,” I mutter, still questioning if I should tell him, but wanting to make sure he doesn’t go there and harass her.

“What was that?” Jace says as Kevin hands him another beer.

“I said I know her.” I swig down the rest of my vodka. I shouldn’t be drinking when we’re talking about Nova. I might let something slip, something I don’t want them to know. I’ve already said more than I should because of the buzz I’ve got going. Sober Easton would’ve kept his mouth shut.

“You know the girl at the diner?” Kevin asks.

“We were friends. It was a long time ago. Before I knew you guys.” I get up and go back to the bar.

“Why didn’t you tell us that before?” Jace says as I refill my drink.

“I didn’t think it mattered. I met her when I was a kid. Haven’t seen her in years.”

“Did she recognize you that night we were there?” Kevin asks.

“Not at first. But I recognized her.” I remain at the bar, taking a swig of my drink.

Jace comes over to me. “How the hell did you two become friends? Did she used to be rich and then lost it all?”

“That happened to my brother’s friend,” Kevin says. “His parents lost all their money in some investment scam. They had to sell their house and move into some shitty apartment.”

What do I tell them? I need a story, something they’ll believe.

“It was summer camp,” I say. “She got a scholarship that paid for it. They gave out a few every summer.”

Jace tilts his head, looking like he doesn’t believe me. “How old were you?”

“Five, or maybe six. I don’t remember.”

“And your parents were okay with you going to camp for the whole summer? When you were five?”

He doesn’t believe me. I should’ve come up with a better story, but it’s too late now. I’m stuck with it.

“It wasn’t the whole summer. It was two months. And it was a day camp. My mom dropped me off every morning and picked me up at night.”

“So that’s why you were talking to her when we were leaving the diner? To see if she still knew you?”

“Yeah. And she didn’t remember me.”

“So what happens now?” Kevin asks. “You gonna see her again?”

“No. Why would I? We’re not friends anymore.”

“But you could be.” Jace smiles. “Now I get why you were pissed when I said I wanted her.”

“I wasn’t pissed. I just don’t think you should talk about girls that way. Would you want someone talking about fucking your sister?”

“This isn’t about my sister. This is about that girl. You want her for yourself. That’s why you got pissed when Kevin and I were talking about her.”

“You don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about. I’m not even going to see her again.”

“Why not?” Kevin says.

“Because we’re not friends anymore.” I go back to the couch. “I’m tired of talking about this. Let’s just watch a movie.”

Jace’s phone rings. “Yeah, babe, what do you need?”

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