Page 26 of Cool for the Summer

“Yeah.” She brightens even more. “You a fan?”

“I’ve seen her three times live,” Beck says enthusiastically.

“That’s awesome,” Ariana says, leaning forward a little over the counter. Is it just me, or does she tug her shirt down a little in the process? “I love live music.”

“She puts on an amazing show. I’m Beck, and this is Donovan.”

“Like Beck, Beck?” Ariana tinkles out a laugh, her gaze glued to Beck’s face. “I love his music.”

“Me too.” Beck smiles and I bristle.

“I have the same name as a famous musician, too,” I put in, but neither of them seems to care. Probably neither has heard of the Scottish hippie single-named musician. He was a favorite of my parents.

“Well, Beck, I hope I’ll see you again soon.” She tosses her hair and gives him a flirtatious smile, completely ignoring me.

“Sure thing, Ariana.”

I grab the box of wine and Beck manages the beer and his other bag.

As soon as we’re out of the shop and heading toward Pete’s car, I hiss at him. “She was totally hitting on you.”

“What? No.” He shakes his head.

“Seriously. She was into you.”

“But I’m so gay,” he says, as if it’s self-evident.

“Seeing Ariana Grande three times live would have been the giveaway for me,” I say. “But I guess she didn’t care.”

“Wow. I thought it was weird that she didn’t pay you any attention.”

My ego thought it was weird, too, but I get it. She’s probably around Beck’s age, and he’s cute and approachable, open and friendly. And as I’ve established already, there can’t be that many people to choose from in this town.

Before I can respond, Beck adds, “I would have thought she’d have assumed we were a couple.”

I look back over the interaction and have to agree. Is that bad? Are we acting too couple-y?

We’re just roommates, I remind myself. And however it looks to the outside world, that’s how it’s going to stay.

ELEVEN

BECK

Jack

Made it to Edinburgh. How are you?

Beck

At the moment, I’m running around like the proverbial headless chicken.

That doesn’t sound good. Everything okay with Cleo?

She’s perfect. Donovan invited people over, so I’m getting the house ready.

Not throwing a rager, are you?

Yeah, the kegs are being delivered any minute.

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