Page 13 of Going the Distance
“How did you end up together, then? Stop me if I’m being rude. I’m trying forpolitely inquisitive.” He grinned. “Just, nobody’s really talked about what happened with you two. It seems kind of taboo or something.”
“Not taboo,” I said. “It’s just that not everyone knows the whole story. It’s kind of complicated.”
He shrugged. “I’ve got all night. Or, at least until your dad gets back and you kick me out.”
I smiled and tucked my feet up on the couch underneath me. “Well, it all started with a kissing booth….”
And when I was done, Levi simply said, “It’s nice that Lee forgave you and that you two are still such good friends. I never had a best friend like that. I mean, I had best friends, sure, but not like you’ve got Lee.”
I nodded, because I wasn’t sure what to say. Times like tonight, I felt like I didn’t “have” Lee much at all. We both turned back to the TV—some documentary on the History Channel. And after a few minutes, my cell phone rang.
Noah.
I answered, mouthing “One sec” to Levi.
“Hey!”
“I just got in from a party. I wish you were here. I’ve got this bed all to myself and it’sincrediblylonely. I miss you.” He was slurring his words a little, and yawned, long and loud. I blushed a little.
“Much as I’d like to be there and…um…cuddle up with you, can I call you back in a second?”
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah, I just…have company.”
But Levi was standing up. “It’s okay, I should probably head off now anyway. I promised my mom I wouldn’t be home too late.”
I nodded, and told Noah to hang on just a sec as I walked Levi to the door. He slipped on his coat and picked up his car keys. “I’ll see you at school on Monday?”
“Yeah. Thanks again for tonight. I’ll repay the favor sometime.”
He smiled brightly. “I’ll hold you to that.”
Back in the living room, falling across the couch with my feet dangling over the armrest, I clicked to turn the call into a video one. Noah appeared on the screen, lying on his side with his handsome face half smooshed into a pillow. I couldn’t help but smile, seeing him—it made my heart swell.
“Hey. Sorry.”
“Who was that?” Noah’s voice was more awake now but still a little less-than-sober.
“Levi.”
“The new guy Levi?”
“No, the old Levi.” I rolled my eyes. “Remember I said I had to babysit Brad tonight, because my dad’s not back till late? And Lee was supposed to hang out with me?”
Noah propped himself up on one elbow so I could see him better. He wasn’t wearing a shirt. I wished he was here, or I was there. His mouth twisted to one side. “Let me guess—he ditched you for Rachel.”
“Yup. But he’s taking me shopping tomorrow as penance, and buying lunch. Anyway, he sent Levi as a replacement co-babysitter to keep me company. Which was okay, actually. He’s a pretty nice guy. Funny. Easy to talk to, you know? Everyone seems to like him.” I smirked. “The girls definitely seem to like him. He’s got a lot of admirers, the way I hear it.”
“Should I worry I’ve got competition, Shelly?” Even though his voice was slow, his tone was unmistakably teasing. His blue eyes glittered even through the phone screen.
“Oh, totally.”
He laughed.
“How was the party?”
“All right, I guess.” Then, “I miss you.”
