Page 69 of The Other Brother
I’m grinning as I go downstairs for breakfast.
I’m grinning when I head off to school.
My grin takes a slight dip in biology—because we’re studying cellular respiration now, and that particular life system reinforces the whack-job theory that aliens populated the earth.
But when I get a message from Cody at lunchtime, my mood is back in the life-is-awesome category.
have been getting congrats about concert today. But it’s not only reason I’m smiling.
I tap out a quick reply.
i’ve been described as mood adjuster before but don’t think it’s ever meant positively
My phone pings almost immediately.
definitely positive this time
“You’re looking pleased with yourself,” Oz comments as I put my phone in my pocket. We’re sitting outside in the sun on a picnic table in the small courtyard next to the cafeteria.
“It’s a particularly awesome day,” I reply, stretching back and letting the rays warm my face.
“Care to share what’s particularly awesome?”
“Mrs. Steinberg’s outfit. She has such great taste in cable sweaters.”
Oz rolls his eyes.
“We were thinking of having a PlayStation marathon after school, like we used to back in middle school. Kind of feel I need to blow off some steam. You in?” Harvey asks. With his baseball cap on backwards, he looks like he’s starring in some nineties sitcom revival. Or channeling some gangsta rapper.
“Sure, I’m in.”
“Then you should spend the afternoon getting prepared tolose.” Harvey draws out the last word like it’s a piece of chewing gum.
“Seriously, you’re starting the smack talk now?” I say. “Don’t forget I’ve seen your game. It’s weaker than a geriatric arm wrestle.”
“Hey, it’s all pun and games,” Harvey says.
Oz and I groan.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I’m sure my heart gives a corresponding twitch.
Sure enough, it’s another message from Cody.
piano lesson cancelled. want to surf after school?
I message him back immediately.
sure
My heart speeds up at the thought of seeing Cody this afternoon. Will things feel different between us now? Awkward? Last night was like a dream. Is it going to be different under the harsh sunlight?
I glance up from my phone to find Harvey and Oz watching me.
“Sorry. Might have to take a rain check on the PlayStation battle,” I say as I stash my phone back away.
Harvey raises an eyebrow. “You got a better offer?”
My cheeks heat. “Something like that.”
