Stronger than You Know by Jolene Perry Page B

say. Someone did the bleaching low, so the stripe only shows sometimes.
    â€œAlways had it.”
    I narrow my eyes. “It looks bleached.”
    â€œI swear it’s always been there. The longer my hair is, the more you can see the blond.” He bends his head down so I can look more closely.
    â€œI like your hair long.” Without thinking I touch the lighter strands. I wouldn’t cut it any other way.
    â€œThanks.” His eyes meet mine.
    I jerk my hand back. I can’t believe I just touched his hair like that.
    â€œSo, what are you up to?” he asks.
    â€œEnjoying the sun.”
    â€œMe too.”
    â€œI got a phone.” I slide it out of my pocket to show him. “Like more than a week ago. I keep forgetting I have it.”
    â€œCool, give me your number and I can call you sometime. Or send you a text or something.” He pulls out his cell.
    Oh no. “I don’t remember my number.” How do I not know this?
    â€œCan I see?” He reaches his hand toward me and I give the phone to him.
    He pushes a few buttons on my phone and then a few buttons on his phone. “There. You can scroll down and hit the Call button when you get to my name. Have you never had a phone before?”
    I try to play cool. “Why do you ask?”
    â€œBecause you’re looking at this thing like it’ll bite you.” He chuckles as he shoves his phone back into his jeans pocket. I like how he dresses outside of school. Snug jeans, drawn-on shoes, white T-shirt, and hoodie coat. Everything looks soft. I’m probably staring.
    Oh. We were talking. “I’ve never had a phone. I”—partial truth, I can do it—“I didn’t get out much when I lived with my mom. Now I’m with my aunt and uncle and …” What do I say?
    â€œAnd things are different,” he finishes for me.
    â€œYeah.” Like opposite . I wait for him to ask more about my mom, but he doesn’t.
    â€œSo, my sister is about to have a baby and she likes to sing. I play for her when she does. Anyway, we’re at the Hole next Friday night. You should come.”
    The Hole is a bakery and venue for a lot of great local music. And it’s just up the street. I’m conflicted because going could be cool or disastrous. I’m not sure if it would be worth the risk.
    â€œWhat do you play?”
    â€œThe guitar.” He cocks a brow, throwing me a playful smile. “I thought everyone knew that.”
    â€œI didn’t.” I don’t know anybody, so I don’t know anything about anybody.
    â€œThat’s crazy.” He laughs. “That’s like my power play, you know. The thing girls like about me.”
    I almost laugh. “I didn’t know. So I guess that’s not what I like about you.”
    â€œHmm.” His eyes are so intense, but I can’t bring myself to look away. “So, what do you like about me?”
    That’s easy. “That you let me be quiet. I like the way you talk all relaxed and how you don’t mind the weird things I do.” Once the words are out I realize how personal it might all be. “I’m sorry, I …” I don’t know how to talk to people. I don’t know what I should say and when I should keep quiet . Maybe I’ve just crossed a line or something.
    â€œNo. That’s awesome. I don’t think you do weird things. I like that you’re not afraid to ask to have your window down even when it’s raining outside.” His eyes widen, but he’s smiling really big so I know he’s teasing.
    The teasing makes my weirdness feel okay. But now we’re both quiet and the silence stretches and I don’t know what to say or what he might expect from me. How long has it been? Should I say something? Is it my turn and I messed up? “I should head back home.”
    â€œWas that silence awkward for you?” Justin asks. “’Cause I