challenge for me. But
we realized we had a lot more in common than taste in girls, so we
became really good friends.”
“Did he have a lot of girlfriends?”
“Honestly, most didn’t even count. It was
just childish middle school crap. He didn’t even get to first base
with most of them.”
I hugged myself. “What about high
school?”
“Ah, high school years were mostly a blur.
We spent most of them skiing—after school, on weekends, on
holidays…” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his thighs.
“When he visited the Alps my parents let me come, since my mother
has family here. But anyway, for the most part, Luke stayed
single.” He raised his eyebrows when our eyes locked. “Until
you.”
“So his girlfriends, what were their names?"
I pried.
“One was named Andrea; forgot why he broke
up with her. And he had another one that he saw for a few months
his junior year, but she moved.” He shrugged. “Her name escapes
me.”
I’m pretty sure her name’s Nikki.
“He wasn’t too crazy about them, though.” He
rubbed his chin. “That’s what it seemed like, anyway.”
“Oh.”
Troy sighed. “Where the hell is he,
anyway?”
“Sleeping.”
He nodded and we fell silent for a
while.
“So you’re looking for a roommate?” I asked
a few minutes later.
“Yeah, wanna move in with me?” He
grinned.
My cheeks grew rosy.
“Your best friend—the one that’s in love
with me—” he said with a wink, “she’s taken, eh?”
“Um, I think so.”
He chuckled. “You think so?”
“Yeah, it’s complicated. She’s Luke’s
sister. You haven’t met her?”
He shook his head. “Nah.” Brief pause. “Is
she hot?”
“Very.” I took out my cell phone and showed
him a picture. “That’s Lilly.”
His eyes popped. “Whoa! No wonder Luke
wouldn’t show me pictures!”
I laughed and put my phone away.
“So what will she have, a boy or girl?”
I shook my head. “I don't think she thought
that far ahead!”
He looked at me oddly. I knew it made no
sense at the moment, but I kind of hoped he’d figure it out.
I found myself trying to compare him to
Gino. They’re both hot , but this guy wins. Even so, I knew
Lilly would have a heck of a time choosing if it ever came down to
it.
And this hottie seemed super interested.
“Luke talked about her a lot,” Troy
breathed. “About when they were kids, whatever he could remember.
If you ask me, he really missed her growing up. I met his mom and
Burke back in California, but his sister? She didn’t tag
along.”
“Wow, that’s too bad!” I’m sure she’d be
devastated if she found out what she’d missed!
“Dating my best friend’s sister would be a
bit weird, though, eh?”
I laughed. “Well I’m doing it, and she’s
still talking to me, so it’s not too bad.”
“Ah, yeah?” Shy eyes met mine. “I’ll keep
that in mind.”
I hugged myself and looked at the stars
again. The night was so peaceful.
“You seem like a great guy,” I said after a
momentary silence. “And I can’t thank you enough for stealing
Luke’s girlfriends.”
He laughed. “You’re welcome!” His eyes
twinkled. “You’re the only one he’d miss, so I’m kind of
tempted.”
“Right!” I said, red as a lobster. I really
liked this guy— another one who made me feel good. Until
Luke, there were a grand total of zero such guys at my
school, or anywhere, for that matter!
“I’m serious, I’ve never seen him like this
around a girl—the way he was today. I’m happy for him.”
“Yeah,” I said sweetly. Part of me wanted to
ask who Nikki was, but I didn’t know if I could trust him not to
tell. The whole thing just made my soul ache, and I didn’t want
anyone to know.
“Is something wrong?” he asked, his voice
shaky. He shifted in his seat, growing closer to me. “I didn’t mean
to make you uncomfortable.”
I shook my head. “It’s not you.” Our eyes
locked, our faces mere inches apart. I was close
C. J. Cherryh
Learning to Kill: Stories
John O'Riley
Brenda Sinclair
Christopher George
Stephen Lloyd Jones
Karl Iagnemma
Celya Bowers
Jill Gregory
Aria Cunningham