Page 65 of Betting on the Best Friend
“He loves me,” I say right as the toast pops, making us both jump.
“And that scares you.”
“Thetoasterscared me.”
She points her knife at me. “And Charlie’s love scares you.”
Something about the way she says that—“Charlie’s love”—does scare me.
“It sounds weird when you say it like that.”
“But does it scare you?” she asks.
I don’t answer as she spreads cream cheese then raspberry preserves on the toast. “All I want from you is a sandwich and sympathy.”
“Done and done,” she says as the sound of the garage door opening leaks through the door. “Your dad is home.”
“I don’t need to be fixed. And no advice.”
“Sandwich and pity. Got it.”
“And chips? And tell Charlie to take it back. And be one hundred percent on my side.”
“Always on your side, mi sol,” my dad says, walking in and dropping a kiss on my hair. My mom is already pulling out more bread.
“Even if she’s wrong?” my mom asks.
“Mom!”
She shrugs.
“Yes,” my dad says. “But my darling Ruby didn’t do anything.”
“Charlie did,” my mom says. “He finally told her, and she’s melting down.”
“Charliefinallytold me?” I repeat, my voice going high.
“’Bout time,” my dad says.
I drop my head into my hands and groan, “What is happening?”
“We’re supposed to give her food and pity,” my mom tells him.
“Why? Charlie’s good people.”
“It scares her,” she says.
“Good thing we didn’t raise a chicken,” my dad answers.
“I’m not scared,” I protest. “I’m mad.”
“Because you’re scared.” My mom gives an exaggerated sigh. “I already told her that.”
I can’t take it anymore and my head flies up. “I feel like I walked into the middle of a conversation where I can’t catch up. What do you mean he finally told me? Did he tell you he was going to?” I hate this idea.
My dad scoffs. “No. But that boy’s been coming around here forever. It was obvious it was only a matter of time before it came out after you dumped Niles.”
“We were just friends!” I say. “Guys and girls can be friends. I’m friends with Josh and Oliver. Nobody thought they were in love with me.”
