Page 5 of The Immortal's One
Kevin!
My heart leaps into my throat.
Be cool, Darcie.
I tap the green icon, bring the phone to my ear, and whisper, “Hello?”
“Darcie?”
My stomach flips. “Hi, Kevin. What’s up?”
“Nothing much… Why are you whispering?”
“I’m in the library.” I glance at the man across from me. His attention has returned to the thick book in his lap.
To avoid being rude, I close my book, stand, and gently place it on the chair. Then, I make my way to the far corner of the cozy seating area, keeping my belongings in view.
“Oh, right. Kayla mentioned you like to go to the library on Fridays.”
The fact that Kayla and Kevin talk about me makes me giddy, though it really shouldn’t. If anything, I should be embarrassed by how I’m reacting.
Kevin is Kayla’s older brother and a senior at the University of Maine. He was my second-closest friend growing up—was, being the keyword. That was before I turned thirteen and my feelings shifted from innocent friendship to an all-consuming, hopeless crush.
“Yup.” I press my lips together, mentally telling myself to play it cool. “So… why’d you call me?”
I wince inwardly. That came out sounding more like an accusation than I intended.
God, I’m so freaking awkward.
Kevin doesn’t miss a beat. He’s always been that way, confident. Nothing ever fazes him. “I just got off the phone with Kayla. She said you turned her down when she invited you to the movies this weekend.”
“Oh.” I clear my throat, shifting my weight from one foot to the other. “Um… yeah. I did.”
“She said you thought you’d be intruding?”
I didn’t use those exact words, but the sentiment is close enough. I shrug even though he can’t see me. “Yeah, I guess so.”
“Well, I told Kayla that was crazy, and she insisted I call you myself and set things straight. So… here I am. Calling.”
My lips twitch with a smile. “That’s nice of you.”
“So, you’ll come?” There’s a quiet hope in his voice that makes my heart skip a beat. I’m glad he wants to spend time with me, but it’s not in the way I wish he did.
“I would…” The words sound hollow as they leave my mouth. I hate lying, even if it’s a little white lie. “But I’ve already got plans this weekend. Maybe next time?”
“Okay, I’ll hold you to that.” His voice is warm and teasing. I picture that boyish grin of his.
My heart skips another beat. “I’m sure you will.”
Silence hangs between us until it’s Kevin’s turn to clear his throat. “Well… I’ll let you get back to whatever you’re doing at the library. I hope I get to see you soon.”
“Me, too.”
“Bye, Darcie.”
“Bye, Kevin.”
The call ends, and I lower the phone, a tight knot of emotion forming in my chest. I return to the sitting area, pick up the book from the chair, and sink into the well-worn cushion.I try to focus on the pages in front of me, but the words blur, refusing to come into focus.
