Page 2 of The Immortal's One
“Sold!” The floorboards creak as Kayla bounces out of my bedroom and down the hall, heading to the stairs that lead to the kitchen below.
I stand and stretch my arms above my head, stiff from sitting in one position for the past hour. Through the window behind my desk, the darkening sky threatens snow. I planned on going for a run, but I might hold off.
By the time I reach the bottom of the stairs, Kayla has already laid out the takeout containers from the fridge on the island. Growing up, we spent every free moment at each other’s houses. She's at home here just like I am in hers.
I open the silverware drawer stuffed with plastic and metal utensils and find two unopened chopsticks.
“Oh, authentic!” Kayla opens the chopsticks and taps them together. “I love it.”
I laugh and grab two plates from the cabinet above the dishwasher. Kayla divvies the chicken lo mein, fried rice, and spring rolls while I pour two cups of water. Then, we dive into the meal.
Between bites of food from my favorite Chinese restaurant in town—really, the only Chinese restaurant in town—Kayla and I chat. I’ve been back in Maine for two weeks, but we’re still catching up on each other’s lives from the last two years apart. We kept in contact while I was gone, but it’s fun hearing about her college experiences in person.
She finishes telling me about the blacklight party she went to at the end of last semester when a question I’ve been trying to suppress rolls off my tongue. “So… how’s your family?”
Her brown eyes glint with mischief. “Don’t you mean, how is Kevin?”
“Your family includes Kevin.” It’s a weak attempt to distract from the teasing about to come my way. I duck my head to hide my blush and brace myself.
But I’m wrong.
Maybe it’s because things between Kayla and me still aren’t quite back to how they were before I left for Greece. Or maybe it’s because my best friend has grown up and decided those jokes are beneath her now.
Whatever the reason, Kayla chooses to have mercy on me andnottorture me about my feelings for her older brother.
“My family is fine. Dad works a lot, and Mom has become the epitome of a bored housewife ever since I moved into the dorm last year. It’s like she doesn’t know what to do with herself now that she doesn’t have anyone to nag.”
My shoulders tense.
Kayla doesn’t notice.
She didn’t mean any harm by the comment, but hearing her speak so negatively about having a mom who cares still stings. I’d give anything to have that kind of relationship.
“And Kevin is good, last I heard.” Kayla pinches a noodle between her chopsticks and lifts it to her lips. “Mom and Dad can’t wait to have him back for winter break.”
“When does he come back?” I avert my gaze and pluck the peas from the fried rice, aiming to sound indifferent.
Kayla’s snort tells me I failed. “Kevin drives in this weekend. We already have plans to see the latest Chris Pratt movie. You should join us.”
I swallow hard, taking another bite. “No thanks. I’ll let you two catch up alone.”
“Don’t be silly.” She rolls her eyes. “Kevin would want to see you.”
My stomach flutters at the idea, but I refuse to entertain it. “Still, I’ll sit this one out.”
Kayla pops a piece of chicken in her mouth and studies me as she chews. Finally, she swallows and shrugs. “Suit yourself.”
I steer the conversation in a different direction before she can press the issue. “Have you checked out the new coffee shop near the public library?”
“Not yet, but the white-washed building with vibrant blue furniture nails the Santorini vibe the owner was going for. At least from pictures.”
Santorini is one of the many Grecian destinations I never made it to. Dad’s work didn’t take us there. “I’ll check it out sometime this week and report back.”
“Perfect. Speaking of plans…” Kayla sets down her chopsticks, her expression a mix of wariness and excitement as she turns to face me. “Josh and I are thinking of checking out a new club in Portland on Saturday.”
“Nope.” I shake my head. “No. Not a chance.”
“Come on, Darcie.” Kayla folds her hands together, fingers interlaced, eyes pleading. “Please come. It’ll be so much fun. And if you’re there, I won’t be stuck talking only to Josh all night.”
