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Leaning down he kissed the top of her red curls, and I feltbasketball We were just saving you fro boredom,” he assured her

I watched the two of the like a total outsider I never used to feel that way Even though Kyle had been Meg’s friend, there was so I hadn’t knohat it was for years He had beenin the way he followed me around, but deep down, I liked it He eet and funny, and really smart And he made me feel beautiful and funny and s I hadn’t kno addicted I was until I didn’t have it any about it

“Co pleaded in a way that she expected his agreement

She underestimated his need to stay away from me

Kyle looked at ain A dozen eure out what they were

“Yeah, join us,” I added weakly

Kyle’s eyes were troubled and perhaps a little conflicted Then he was looking at Meg again “I wish I could, but I have to pick up Katie from Mom and Dad’s,” he said

At the hter, I perked up “How is Katie?” I couldn’t help asking I spent soirl over Christmas and had been completely enchanted by her

Kyle sreat Starting daycare in a few days Mo up with a toddler is hard work” I could tell by the hesitation in his voice that he was nervous about taking her to daycare

I took a step toward hi, but close I could alreat Plus, it’s good for kids to hang out with other kids At least that’s what I’ve heard Not that I would know anything about kids” I laughed, but it sounded jagged

If Kyle heard it, he ignored the strangeness of et going” Oura squeeze andfor the door

“Well, that wasn’t weird or anything,” Meg muttered as we

“Hey, I’ a jerk earlier I don’t knohat my problem was,” I told her

Meg frowned “Sure, just stop being a jerk, okay?”

“Easier said than done, I think” I tried to laugh again, but that edginess was still there

Meg swirled theice in her drink “So, back to you and Web Do you think you finally want to tell me what happened between the two of you?”

“Kyle’s a good guy I wasn’t so nice to him End of story”