Page 47 of The Apple Tree

I chewed on the end of my straw while processing her advice. It’s not that I didn’t see it that way, too, but there were so many looks and tiny moments that felt real.

Not pity.

Not a man appeasing his crush.

Not a neighbor being friendly to the babysitter.

“Take a chill pill when you’re around him. Act like he’s a grody old guy, and the thought of liking him is like ‘gag me.’”

I slowly nodded.

“He really said Denise smelled like dog urine?” Erin grinned, wrinkling her nose.

I smirked and nodded.

“I start classes on Monday. Of course, I’ll take the cutest guy I can find, but I’ll look for the second cutest and set you up with him.”

“Gee, thanks.” I wadded my burger wrapper and stuffed it into my fry container.

“I’m serious. Don’t be desperate.”

“I’m not desperate.”

She eyed me until I cracked.

“I’m not.” I laughed. “I’m just interested.”

“Obsessed.”

I shook my head. “Determined.”

“Delusional.”

I rolled up a tiny piece of my straw wrapper, loaded it into my straw, and blew it at her.

Sunday morning,I prayed that Kyle and Josh wouldn’t be at church, but God didn’t grant my wish. He was probably too disappointed in my lies that week to extend me a little mercy.

Erin gave me a tight grin with wide eyes when Kyle and Josh sat behind my mom and sister. They wore their matching suits again but with different ties—yellow bowties.

Adorable.

I made it through my dad’s lengthy sermon, including communion, without looking at Kyle. After the service, I gathered in front of the church with my friends while my parents made their usual chitchat.

“Hi, Eve!” Josh hugged my waist, and my friends laughed and gushed over him.

“Hey, Josh.” I ran my fingers through his dark wavy hair, and then I squatted and straightened his bowtie. “You look handsome today.”

He pressed his palms to my cheeks. “You look pretty.”

I melted in his tiny hands.

“Buddy, Eve’s talking with her friends. Where are your manners?” Kyle said, forcing me to look at him and offer a fake smile, the smile I would have given to a grody old man.

“It’s fine,” I mumbled, standing straight.

“That dress looks great on you,” he said.

I glanced down as if I didn’t remember what dress I was wearing. It was a white dress with three-quarter-length sleeves, nothing special. He was making small talk, maybe trying to ease the tension. Heck, he probably sent Josh over to say I looked pretty.

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