Page 106 of Eleanor & Grey

“Hey, Eleanor? Can I just have a word really fast?” he asked.

I turned toward him and smiled. Landon looked so grown up compared to the boy he was all those years ago. Shay would’ve hated how handsome he had become.

“Yeah, sure. What’s going on?”

He slid his hands into his pockets. “I just wanted to say thank you for everything you’ve been doing for these girls, and for Greyson. I don’t know how you’re doing it, but thank you. Today was the first day I felt like my best friend was really here. He’s been a ghost for the past year, and it has been the hardest thing to watch. So, yeah, just keep it up, okay? Whatever it is you’re doing, just keep doing that.”

I grinned. “I don’t know if I’m much help, but I don’t plan on going anywhere.”

“Trust me, you’re the biggest help. Also, I, uh, I owe you an apology for the asshole kid I was in the past—calling you Brace Face and stuff. That was fucked up.”

I laughed. “I mean, yes, it was, but I guess since you brought a pony today, we can forgive and forget.”

“For sure, and I mean, it looks like it worked out for you, ya know, those braces.” He gestured toward my mouth. “It looks good. So, yeah. Good for you.”

Oh, Landon. For a superstar you sure are awkward.

“Thanks.”

“Okay, well I’ll let you go. Make sure to tell your cousin Shay that I said hi.”

I would definitely be telling Shay that as soon as possible.

“I will do. Safe travels, Landon.”

The minute he left, I pulled out my cell phone and texted Shay.

Me: Landon asked about you today.

Shay: Oh yeah? Did you tell him to burn in Hell? I hope you told him to go to Hell.

I smirked, knowing it was getting under her skin a little.

Shay: How did he look? Did he look uglier in person than he does in the movies?

Me: Oddly enough, he looks even better.

Shay: Ugh. Of course, he does. Whatever, I’m done thinking about him.

Shay: But just to be clear, did you tell him I was doing great and I never thought about him again after high school? Next time make sure to tell him that.

Shay: God. I hate him. How dare he just randomly ask about me! The nerve.

She kept rambling on and on, and I felt a bit pleased about it. It was nice to have something to tease her about now, seeing how she always teased me when it came to Greyson. It felt as if my cousin and I were finally on an even playing field. Each time she mocked me, I’d be ready to mock her right back.

“How long are you going to walk me to class?” Karla groaned as we headed to her first period of school the Monday after Lorelai’s party. It was our new normal, and needless to say, she hated every second of it.

“Until your father tells me to stop, I guess,” I replied.

She groaned. “He’s been extra annoying lately.”

“He’s just doing his job, Karla. That’s all. He’s been going through a lot.”

“We’ve all been going through a lot.”

“Yeah, I know.”

She huffed. “You have no idea,” she grumbled.

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