Page 20 of Don't Love the Boy Next Door
We sit in silence again.
“Um, maybe we should head home,” she says.
“Yeah,” I say as we get up and make our way to the door.
Then we bump into each other as we try to leave.
“Sorry,” we both say.
I motion for her to go first.
“Thanks.”
We’re quiet as we walk to the door. I open my mouth a few times to say something, because Iwantto talk to her. I’m so relieved things are good between us again. But I don’t know what to say. I’ve never been shy around a girl before. But I don’t have a chance, anyway, because we step through the doors.
“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?” she says.
“Yeah. Tomorrow.”
We stand there looking at each other. Again, I wish I could say something, but my brain flatlines.
“Right. See ya.” She turns around and heads to the city bus.
“Katie?” I call.
She spins around.
“Can I give you a ride? I think I’m headed in the same direction as you,” I add with a laugh.
She raises a brow. “What? You live in my neighborhood?” she jokes.
I rub my chin like I’m trying to solve a hard math problem. “I think so. I’m pretty sure I moved in next door to a pretty cool girl.”
That makes her cheeks go red. “Pray tell me about this cool girl,” she says in a heavy, low-class British accent. “I daresay the maiden does sound quite intriguing.”
I laugh again. “Wow, that accent was amazing.”
She does a little curtsy. “Eliza Doolittle, ninth grade.”
My brows rise.
“My Fair Lady?” she asks.
I give her a blank look.
She releases a heavy, exaggerated sigh. “You’re lucky you’re a great Beast.”
Chapter Seven
Phoenix
“Hey, Firebirds. You know what time it is? Zombie slaying time!”
I’ve brought my gear to my house because Katie had to study for a test and needed some quiet. Besides, I kind of promised my mom I’d come over more often. So far, my siblings haven’t torn the door down.
I smile as the comments drop in, each more excited than the last. These fans aren’t just strangers, they’ve become my friends. I recognize so many of them, and I get more every day. Not to brag or anything, but my channel is slowly building up.
“But before I start, I want to answer some of your questions. So hit me up with anything you’ve got.”
