Page 68 of The Forever After Bet

27. Ostracized

When Jack walks Leah to the front door, I jump in the front seat and blast the heat. I mess with the radio and avoid looking out the window to give them some privacy to say goodnight. After Jack and I leave Leah’s, he glances at me several times but doesn’t say anything.

“What is it?” I finally ask him.

“I’m sorry about Mom.”

I shrug. “It is what it is. Honestly, I think it was because I was at Ford’s house.”

“I agree.” Jack nods.

“Which is stupid because she thinks Ford has moved on and doesn’t have feeling for me anymore.”

Jack sucks in a breath through his teeth. “Yeah, she thinks that because of me. I told her Ford has gone on a couple of dates with other girls.”

“Oh,” I say, surprised.

“Are you mad?”

“No, that was a smart move.”

“She kept asking me when Ford and Ty were going to come hang out at the house again. She talked about getting back to normal. Whatever that is. I finally gave in. When I told her the guys were coming over, the first thing she asked me was if Ford still liked you. I panicked because I didn’t want Ford to feel ostracized. So, I lied.”

I stare at Jack with my mouth open.

“What’s wrong?”

I shake my head. “Nothing. This is just a proud moment. You used your first big word.” I put my hand over my heart. “Ostracized. What a great word.”

Jack shoves my shoulder. “Knock it off.” And we both laugh.

It’s been a long weekend and laughing feels good. “I’m going to study with Ford at Bell’s bookstore tomorrow if you want to come. He’s going to help me with calculus. I’ve been struggling with imaginary numbers, but we’re going to study for our history exam, too.”

“I work from ten to three at the country club, but I could come after my shift. It’s Sunday, so I’ll take Mom’s van or the MDX if Jim doesn’t mind. I’ll meet you there.”

“That would be perfect. We’re meeting at noon, but we were going to get something to eat before we go to the bookstore.” I look over at my brother. “Hey, Jack.”

He glances at me. “What is it?”

“I’ve been thinking about telling Dad I’m dating Ford again.”

His eyebrows disappear into his hairline. “Have you talked to Ford about it?”

“Not yet. How do you think my dad would react?”

“I’m not sure. He’s been more lenient since Mom started dealing with whatever she’s dealing with. He might be okay with it. You know him better than I do.”

“He caught Ford and I together the night June had her allergic reaction.”

“He did? When?”

“He came down to the basement and saw us all paired off asleep. I was lying next to Ford reclined on the sofa.”

“And he didn’t freak out?” Jack asks.

“No, he was cool about it. He made sure Leah, June, Ty, and Ford’s parents knew they were there. He told us to set an alarm, so Mom didn’t catch us. That’s why I think he’d be okay with us dating again.”

“Yeah, but mom won’t like it.” Jack huffs.

---