Page 33 of How We Loved

I’m home, lying on my bed, when Trevor calls me.

“Hey, you!” I say as my greeting.

“Hey. How was your day?” he asks.

“It would have been better if you went to my school, but I survived otherwise. How about you?”

“You have no idea how much I wish I went to your school too. But, hey, I’m sorry I can’t go to the Halloween party with you. Everyone else already had the night off to spend with their kids.”

I sigh as I run my fingers through Ming’s fur as she lies on my bed, hoping she’ll fill the sadness rushing through me by his words.

Tomorrow is Halloween, and we always go all out for the costume-filled holiday, no matter what day it falls on. I was so looking forward to actually having a date to one of these parties, but it looks like I’ll be flying solo again this year—or I mean, date-wise. I always go with Ben, so I’m never really solo. Even when he was dating Michelle two years ago, I went with them as the third wheel.

“It’s okay. I understand. Just bummed because I had a fun idea for our costumes.”

“Does everyone dress up?” he asks, making me laugh out loud.

“Hell yes, we do! That’s the best part. That’s why I was hoping we could go as a couples costume.”

Now, it’s his turn to laugh out loud. “Then, maybe I’m not sad I can’t get the night off. Sorry, babe, I’m not a dress-up kind of guy.”

I sigh. What a bummer. Ben and I have had so much fun over the years, coming up with creative costumes. We already had one all planned out for this year—that is, before I got a boyfriend.

Ah! I still can’t believe I get to say those words!

Since Trevor can’t go, I’ll have to call Ben and tell him we’re on after all. He wasn’t too happy when I told him I was bailing on our idea today at school when I thought Trevor was going to be able to come. At least he’ll be glad to hear Trevor isn’t coming.

“Will you still dress up now that I’m not there?”

“Absolutely!” I say a little too enthusiastically. “My favorite thing is dressing up.”

He chuckles under his breath. “Okay, good to know. What are you going as?”

“Well, Ben and I were working on a costume together. That is, before I met you.” I smile so big that it hurts my cheeks.

“You what? With Ben? Like a couples costume?” His tone is laced with confusion.

“No, not like that. Just matching.” I try to blow him off.

“Like couples do.”

“I’m telling you, it’s not like that.”

“Well, it’d better not be. And I definitely don’t want you matching with another guy.”

“Oh. Yeah, um … that makes sense. It’s okay. We already canceled the idea because I thought you were coming.”

“Good. Don’t tell him I’m not. Make him do his own thing. Without you.”

“Yeah, that’s no big deal. I’m sure he’s already moved on to another idea anyway.”

“What will you go as?”

“Hmm …” I playfully hum out. “I’ll have to think about it.”

“Nothing too slutty. I know how girls can get on Halloween, and I don’t want guys looking at you, thinking they have a chance.”

A grin slowly grows across my face. “Would that make you jealous?” I tease.

---