Page 76 of Tell Me Everything
“Yes, but I had no intention of including you in the equation.”
“Meany.”
Nina pouted, and Sophie patted her head in sympathy. Elena sat up to face Alex.
“You don't have to come.”
Alex pursed his lips. “Why’s that? Are you planning on hitting on other guys? Is that why you want me to stay?”
She tucked a strand of orange hair behind her ear with an innocent expression. This girl was a demon with the face of an angel.
“Maybe. What happens at the beach stays at the beach.”
Alex flicked her on the forehead. “Do that and you can take the bus to school.”
Elena fell against him and held his arm. “I don't know how to flirt with you, so how am I going to do it with others?”
“Not the answer I was hoping for.”
***
Nina and Sophie were already in the back seat when Elena added her suitcase to the trunk. Alex watched in amazement. They were going to Oostduinkerke for a weekend, yet they’d all taken enough to travel for a month.
“How long are you planning to be away?”
“A woman always has an outfit for every occasion,” Elena replied, closing the trunk.
Once the car was loaded, Alex drove off. Elena took something out of her bag, and Alex had to look twice, and still, he couldn't believe it.
“What's Neighomi doing here?”
“Neighomi goes where I go. It's not up for discussion.”
The dancer swept her long hair back over her shoulder while the ridiculous stuffed animal rested on her lap, its glittery gaze riveted on the road. Nina poked her head between their seats tosee the unicorn.
“A plushie!”
“It’s so cute,” Sophie added.
Elena hugged the unicorn tighter. Alex was starting to regret buying that thing. He'd bought it as a joke, but Elena had grown attached to the silly country-singing unicorn with a purple mane. Maybe he should have listened to Audrey's advice and bought a stuffed pony instead.
“It's a gift from Alex.”
“That explains a lot,” Sophie laughed.
Throughout the journey, the girls sang along to a Disney playlist Elena had put together. At times, they tried to get Alex to sing with them. The excuse of having to concentrate on the road saved him.
When they arrived at the apartment, Nina ran into the living room and threw herself onto the leather sofa. The apartment was spacious and soberly furnished.
“Wow! Your place is gorgeous.”
Sophie picked up Nina's suitcase and disappeared into a bedroom. “Let's set up the beds.”
Elena and Alex followed her into a room with two bunk beds. Alex watched the beds, doubtful.
“I don’t care what you do, but I sleep with Lena,” he said, letting his backpack fall on one of the lower beds.
“And risk having the beds creak at night?” Sophie shot back, her arms folded. “I don't think so.”
