Page 74 of Don't Love the Boy Next Door
When she told me she liked me, it was like fireworks exploded all around me. Cliché, I know, but that’s the truth. And I can’t forget the kiss we shared at theater rehearsal. It was more than acting on my part, and I see now that it was the same for Katie. I haven’t been able to stop smiling since. And when we killed it at practice, it was perfect. There’s no other way to describe it. She’s crazy talented, and I’m super glad we chose her as our lead singer. Not only because it could do wonders for the band, but because it gives me the chance to share something I love with her. Same way she shares her love for musical theater with me.
I’m still humming as I pull the fridge open for a drink. I can’t stop thinking about that kiss and how it moved me more than anything has ever moved me before.
“Lover Boy, wanna move?” Ethan breaks me away from my thoughts. He stands before me, eyebrows raised. He nods to the fridge.
Laughing sheepishly, I move aside. “Sorry. I was thinking about—”
“Katie, I know.”
I can’t stop the grin conquering my face.
Ethan chugs down some water. “I’m happy for you, bro. Katie’s an amazing girl.” He shrugs. “I don’t need to tell you to treat her right because I know you will.”
I lean against the cabinet, still not able to yank my mind away from anything Katie related. “Is this how you felt about Charlotte? How’s it going with her, by the way?”
He shakes his head. “Broke up with her.”
My mouth drops. “What?Youbroke up with her? But you love her.”
He shakes his head again. “Not anymore. She wanted to try long distance, but I told her I wasn’t interested.”
I blink at him. “You serious? I remember how hard it was for you to move out here because you didn’t want to leave her. And now you’re telling me you’re completely over her?”
He shrugs. “Yeah. She’s in L.A. and I’m here. It wouldn’t have worked out, anyway.” After taking another swig of water, he leaves to his room, bass in hand.
I stare after him, not sure I understand what’s going on, but I figure I may never understand my brother one hundred percent. We’re close, sure, but not as close as we used to be. And I’m pretty sure there’s another reason why he broke up with her. I just don’t know what it is.
Climbing the stairs to my room, I place my guitar down and lift my shade, peering into the room next door. Katie’s at her computer, probably doing her homework. Her head lifts and she gives me a warm smile that makes my heart leap in my chest.
“Hey,” I say, returning the smile.
She moves to the window, leaning forward as if she wants to touch me. “I’ve missed you.”
“Me, too. When we’re apart, it feels like the world is incomplete.”
A small, shy smile forms on her lips. “I feel the same way.”
We just stare at each other as if we’re soaking each other in. I wish I could grab her, hold her tight and never let go. She’s so special, so strong after everything she’s been through. I don’t want to ever lose her.
“So what are you up to?” I ask.
She wrinkles her nose. “Math homework.”
“Hmm, sounds like fun.”
She playfully rolls her eyes. I’m about to say something else, when I hear the front door open. Mom’s home a little early tonight.
“Boys, I brought dinner!” she calls.
“Katie, I need to go eat dinner. We’ll talk later?”
She nods with another smile. I return it, wave, then head downstairs, where Ethan is already checking out the food Mom brought. It’s Mexican tonight.
Mom looks haggard. Overworked. If only Dad would…I shake my head. I don’t want to think about him right now. He sent the money, but it’s not enough to ease Mom’s burden. And I doubt he’ll remember to send more.
Mom smiles her usual tired, empty smile when she finds me standing in the doorway, watching my brother set the table. “Are you okay, honey?” she asks.
I tear my eyes away from her. No, I’m not okay. I’m not okay that my mother is so unhappy and there’s nothing I can do to help. I can try to be a good son, but I don’t think it will take away all her pain.
