Page 37 of The Immortal's One
"Darcie?” a woman’s voice says. “Is that you?"
I look up from Dad’s favorite bag of chips and freeze, staring at a young woman who seems vaguely familiar. Shestands a few feet away, her eyes full of expectation, seeming to wait for me to recognize her.
“Uh, hi?” I greet lamely.
She wears a Robertson’s uniform, her name tag hidden beneath the cascade of hair hanging over her shoulder.
“It’s Amanda.” She grins. “Amanda Carter.”
My jaw drops. “Amanda?”
“Yeah, I know.” She laughs. “I look different.”
“You look incredible.” The Amanda I remember from high school had braces, acne, and thick, clunky glasses. The woman in front of me doesn't look anything like her.
“Thanks.” She gives a modest shrug, her cheeks turning pink.
“How have you been?” I drop the chips into my cart and rest my hands on the plastic-covered handle.
“Good! I go to St. Phillip’s now. Your dad’s actually one of my professors next semester. I’m so excited for his class! I’ve heard it’s awesome.”
“Oh.” I force my smile to remain in place. I guess Dad hasn’t told the university he’ll be taking a leave of absence while he undergoes chemo. “That’s great.”
“Totally. And I see Kayla around campus a lot. It’s cool you two are still friends.” Her words tumble out in a rapid stream. I scramble to catch each word. “She told me you were coming back to Maine.”
She did?
Kayla is a total gossip. How did she not mention Amanda’s transformation?
“Yeah.” I nod. “I’ve been back for a couple of weeks.”
“She said you were living in Greece.” Awe fills her voice. “That must’ve been incredible.”
“It was. But it’s nice to be home.”
A monotone voice plays over the intercom, reciting the store’s promotional deal for a new brand of paper towels that ends today.
“I bet,” Amanda says over the announcement. She clears her throat, and the conversation takes an unexpected turn. “So, uh… are you still friends with Kayla’s brother, Kevin?”
I almost choke on saliva.
I cough to clear my throat. “I am… Why do you ask?”
“You’re so lucky.” Amanda sighs dramatically, and her smile turns teasing. “He’s so hot. Don’t you think?”
I blink. “Oh, um… I guess?”
This isn’t the first time girls have cornered me to talk about Kevin. Everyone knew we were friends. Apparently, that makes me the unofficial ambassador to his fan club.
“I’ve had a crush on him forever,” She admits casually, as if we’re discussing the weather. She’s definitely not as shy as I remember. “Do you know if he’s seeing anyone?”
My throat tightens. “I have no idea.”
Kevin’s dating life? Yeah, I wouldn’t touch that subject with a ten-foot pole.
Maybe I’m not brave enough to tell Kevin how I feel, but hearing about him with someone else would be torture.
Amanda pouts. “Bummer. I was hoping you’d know if he’s single. I’ve been trying to work up the courage to ask him out.”
