Page 6 of The Book of Legends
“It’s fine,” I say quickly, my face burning.
He didn’t even ask if I was okay.
My eyes linger on the vintage clock on my dresser. It’s eight o’clock, and I hate myself for practically suggesting a repeat. “It was just an idea.”
He yawns audibly through the phone.
“No, it’s fine,” he says, but his voice sounds distracted, like he’s half paying attention.
The hesitation. “I need to shower and get some sleep.”
I press my lips together.
Micah has a good chance this year. Boise University’s baseball team is strong. With him on the team, they could go far, and I don’t want to be the reason he’s distracted.
“Selene?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re the best,” he says. “Get some sleep, and I’ll call you tomorrow.”
I hesitate. Then, like an idiot, I say it anyway. “Love you, bestie.”
I need his reassurance. I need something.
I hear a female voice this time. He clears his throat. “Me too.”
I flinch. “Yeah, um… goodnight.”
Closing my eyes, I hang up. I lean my head against the wall and blow out a slow breath. “I’m such a dork.”
When I walk out of my bedroom an hour later to get water from the kitchen, Diane and two of her friends are seated on the small futon in front of the TV. Stacy and Nicole look at each other and then at Diane. I know Stacy and Nicole talk shit about me ever since they found out I was Micah’s best friend and their boyfriends are on the same team, but I don’t care.
“Hey, I heard you on the phone when we got in. We didn’t want to bother you. Is everything okay?” Diane asks with a small smile, but I can tell she’s worried by the look in her eyes.
“Everything is fine. Considering…” I trail off, not wanting to talk about my personal shit in front of Stacy and Nicole as I walk to the small kitchen that is more like a kitchenette.
We don’t have a traditional stove. Instead, we cook small meals on a hot plate, but at least we have a normal-sized refrigerator and a small sink. I’m not sure I should tell Diane anything since they seem so close. I have had my fair share of people trying to be fake friends.
I open the fridge, ignoring the snorts behind my back. It’s probably Nicole; she’s more of a bitch than Stacy. She’s also the more vocal one between the two.
I grab a bottle of water.
“I would have hung out with you,” Diane says behind me, solidifying any doubt in my head that they overheard me arguing with Micah.
I close the fridge, turn around, and twist the cap. “It’s fine,” I reply before taking a sip while watching Stacy and Nicole collect their things.
“Well, see you tomorrow, Diana,” Nicole says with a fake smile. “We’re tired. Hanging out with the guys at Duffy’s was a lot.”
“Thanks for the ride,” Stacy adds as they head out.
“Thanks for the invite,” Diane replies, but I can tell it’s forced.
Nicole’s gaze flicks to me as she answers, “Anytime.” Good to know it wasn’t just the guys Micah was with, but I won’t call Micah out on his bullshit excuse.
For whatever reason, they hate when Micah invites me, and I won’t give Stacy and Nicole the satisfaction of thinking she caused a rift between me and Micah.
As soon as the door shuts, Diana’s shoulders sag in relief. She turns around to face me with an apologetic smile. “Sorry.” I feign indifference, pushing my large glasses up my nose.
