Just as I tuck my phone back into my pocket, Brady hops in the truck.
He smiles and puts the key in the ignition. “What’s up?”
I scrunch up my nose. “What am I supposed to tell Liv?”
“Don’t tell her anything?” Brady says with a layer of sarcasm in his voice.
My eyes bug out, and I look at him. He’s obviously lost his mind. “Seriously? Have you met your sister? My phone nearly imploded with all the texts she sent trying to figure out what we were up to.”
His smirk suggests he knows exactly what a snoop his sister is. He starts the car and shifts into reverse, backing out of the spot and pulling out onto the road. “I told her I was taking you to T.J. to hang out. That’s what you tell her.”
“Yeah, if only it were that easy. Can I tell her you wanted to apologize for Jake? She might buy that.”
“Oh, and ruin my bad-boy don’t-give-a-shit-rep.” He laughs. “Yeah, you can tell her that.”
My phone vibrates, and I pull it out of my pocket, expecting a “where the hell are you?” text from Liv.
Harrison: 12.11 AM Just got ur text. Glad ur ok. Call me when u get home. I’ll b up.
At least he doesn’t seem upset. If I had waited around for a date who never showed, I’d be irate.
I respond.
Tori: To: Harrison 12:14 AM K sorry :(
Skipping out on my date with Harrison was horrible, but I wouldn’t change a thing about tonight. Brady pulls a tissue from his pocket and hands it to me. I giggle and take it from him. He’s written thank you on it. I should be irritated he keeps reminding me that he’d sneak
ed a peek at me naked, but I think the tissue notes are sweet. They’re his way of telling me he does care about me – at least, that’s what I want to believe.
I tip my chin and hold the tissue up. “For what? You already thanked me for coming with you.”
“Sorry, but I just can’t help reminding you how deadly tissues are.” I playfully slap him on the arm, and he yelps. “Seriously, though. Thank you for everything…for forgiving me…sharing this with me. It means a lot, Tori.”
“You’re welcome.” I smile. I’m in serious trouble. I might be in love with him. And not just in the “crush” kind of way.
When we arrive home, it’s almost one in the morning, and Liv is crashed on the couch. Careful not to wake her, Brady and I quietly sneak up the stairs. It appears that he’s trying to avoid her noisy butt, too.
As he tells me goodnight at my door, I think he might kiss me, and I hold my breath in anticipation. His lips nearly meet mine before he moves his head and kisses my cheek. I sag against the door, disappointment washing over me again. My body’s been experiencing a lot of that lately. Brady smiles politely, thanks me again for going with him, and walks to his room. With my back still against the door, I reach behind me and twist the knob, allowing an extra minute for him to change his mind and come back. He doesn’t.
I climb into bed without changing my t-shirt, even though it smells like tacos. Liv is a light sleeper and I don’t want to risk making any noise that might wake her up. For the same reason, and also because I’m chicken, I decide to text Harrison. Typing is less stressful than conversation.
Tori: To: Harrison 12.52 AM Hey, just got home. Can’t call. Don’t want to wake Liv.
Harrison: 12:54 AM NP. U ok? Brady get u home safe?
Tori: To: Harrison 12:55 AM Yeah, I’m fine. Y?
Harrison: 12:56 AM just making sure.
Tori: To: Harrison 12:57 AM sorry about 2nite.
Harrison: 12:58 AM No worries. how bout lunch, 2morrow? 12:30. Meet at bean?
Tori: To: Harrison 1:00 AM Im in. C U then.
Harrison: 1:01 AM gr8. Cant wait! Good nite, Tor.
Tori: To: Harrison 1:03 AM Nite.