Page 40 of If the Summer Lasted Forever
Mom narrows her eyes. “How wild?”
“I didn’t drink or do drugs if that’s what you’re asking.”
Appeased, she nods.
“Good job, kiddo,” Uncle Mark says and then offers to restart the movie so we all can watch.
I decline and start for my bedroom, but before I’m out the door, Mom says, “You’re okay, right? You had fun with Landon?”
My heart twinges because I’m more than okay, and I had a little too much fun.
I like Landon. Like, really like him.
Which is probably bad.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
A knockat the door pulls me from my laptop. Earlier today, the Tillmans posted the video that contained the footage of Landon and me at the bonfire. It already has thousands of views.
The comments are enough to make my head spin. Dozens of people ask if Landon and I are together. Some people gush about how cute we are; others seem upset Landon’s already moved on to another girl.
Why do they care? Honestly, some people are just obsessive. (Thinks the girl who’s watched the video half a dozen times already.)
Leaving my laptop on the couch, I answer the door, fully expecting Paige.
Busy with Tanner, she hasn’t been around as much lately. She’ll get bored and break it off eventually, and then I’ll see more of her again.
Ours is a stable friendship, and I don’t mind. Especially since she sends me emoji-filled texts several times a day just so I don’t feel ignored.
Still, Tanner’s lasted longer than I expected, and I don’t like it. I have this awful feeling about him, and I’ll be glad when he’s out of the picture.
But it’s not Paige on the other side of the door.
“Hi,” I say, startled to find Landon.
We haven’t talked since the party. In fact, I didn’t see him all weekend. I’m sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I’ve been hiding in the house.
“You’re avoiding me again.” He crosses his arms and leans against the door frame. His light green eyes are bright despite his serious tone.
Just seeing him does funny things to my stomach.
“No,” I protest, stepping aside so he can come in. “I’ve been…busy.”
“Oh yeah?” He nods toward the open laptop, displaying the paused video, and a grin steals across his face. “What’s that you’re working on?”
I rush over to the computer and snap it shut. “Not that.”
He raises his eyebrows, waiting.
Giving in, I plop onto the couch, motioning for him to join me. “Gray Jay celebrates its anniversary in the middle of July, and the campground hosts a barbecue every year. I decided to make flyers this year, but I’m not very good at it.”
Self-conscious, I open the laptop and quickly close the browser, revealing the sad design. Even I can tell it looks terrible.
“You even work while you’re at home,” he jokes.
I roll my eyes as Landon pulls the laptop onto his lap.
“This is…” he begins, trying to hide a grimace.
