Page 66 (1/2)

My face turns pink But I laugh, pleased to be included in their good-natured ribbing Josh looks at me, worried, and I turn in my seat to face him full on I smile He exhales with relief, and I lean in closer

"We’re okay," I whisper "Aren’t we?"

"It’s all I want," he says

Our server appears We startle apart, and ain? Or a connotes?

We place an order for a ton of pizzas, and normally I’d be thrilled about the variety, but all I want to do is return to the previous conversation But ourof privacy is gone The table pulls us into discussion about the Olyold medal, but she’s convinced that she has a second-place curse Everyone says they’re sure she’ll be fine, but Cricket is weird and jittery I get the sense that he believes in the curse, too, though he won’t admit it Talk turns to everyone’s schools I wait for Josh to chime in, but he never does I wonder if that means he still hasn’t enrolled anywhere Butfor rows

The pizza arrives With each bite, I begto Vermont But, the truth is, I’m afraid of his answer It’s been less than two months, and I left hiy to attend – or care about – a new school?

My guilt and fear push us further apart

"Are you okay?" Josh asks "You’ve hardly eaten anything"

I look at his plate "Neither have you"

He opens his mouth to reply, when St Clair stands "We’re off," he says,him and Anna and no one else She looks as surprised as the rest of us

"We haven’t even had dessert," Meredith says

"I’ my lady friend somewhere special for dessert"

"You are?" Anna says

"I as and looks bewilderedly at the rest of us "Guess I’ll see you guys tomorrow?" Her eyes fall on me "Oh, no! I wanted to catch up Well, hopefully, we’ll be seeing each other again Soon Good luck"

I pounce on her words Soon Good luck They’re general state Anna and St Clair hug everybody goodbye, even est It’s a real hug, not a la My heart breaks a little more Anna and St Clair leave the restaurant Meredith, Lola and I sit down, but Josh and Cricket exchange a s down the server "L’addition, s’il vous plaît" Check, please

"We’re leaving?" I can’t hide the disappointment from my voice A proper French dinner should keep us here for at least another hour