"John, John, John!" The bed is rocking a little; Hannah is either jumping up and down or shaking the bed by my head. She sounds so excited. "It's mall day!"

I feel hungover; it was after 1:00 AM when Kristy dropped me off. We talked a lot, just as two people and it was nice.

"What time?"

"It's almost ten." Hannah sounds a little sheepish. I made sure to dance with her before we went to bed last night, and she had a ton of questions about what she had missed.

On any other day,  I would just cancel my plans and go back to sleep, and Hannah would be understanding, but I'm not about to let her down.

"Let me shower, and we'll go."

"John, if you need to sleep, we can reschedule."

That is incredibly kind and super tempting, but no. If I stay in bed right now, I honestly don't think I'll ever leave.

"You're a great friend, Hannah, but give me a half hour, and we'll get going." I finally pull my head out from under my blankets and see Hannah fiddling with my phone. "How bad?"

"Volcanic from Payton, but she's simmering now that it's out of her system. Layla and Kristy have both asked how you're doing."

Hannah has her own accounts sideloaded onto my phone, and she checks them pretty often. I've been considering giving her my current phone when I upgrade.

The haptics have issues with her being a ghost, and they glitch out a lot, but it's better than nothing, and it's another way for her to feel alive.

Maybe something with physical keys would work better. I'm sure I can track down a smartphone with a keyboard.

"And Mom?"

Hannah shakes her head at me. "Your Mom poked her head in and left you to sleep. She seems really happy."

Over the moon, I know she and Aunt Pattie never stopped talking, but Mom always made sure to try to keep it out of my hearing. Frankly, I wouldn't be shocked if Mom also knew all about Payton and Layla being together.

That's fine; it wasn't like Layla's life was my business.

"Good, that means tomorrow might be relaxing." Tonight is going to be anything but, and I need at least one day to rest before Monday.

"I'll get changed while you're showering; I already did this morning. Can you knock before coming back in?"

Simple rules for cohabitation make it easier. I knock before going into our bedroom or the ensuite, and Hannah does the same. It's an adjustment for both of us, and Hannah appreciates the effort.

"Sure."

My hair needs a little touch-up, and I need a cleaner shave, but overall, there's nothing that should take too long.

My clothes might be a problem. I need something nice for tonight, and I only have one new shirt I haven't worn yet. Wearing the same thing for dinner that I wore to the mall feels wrong.

Hmm.

I guess I could buy something for myself while I'm shopping with Hannah.

It's only after my lips start tingling I realise I put the lipgloss on. Weird. I must have grabbed it on reflex.

Ah well.

There's no way Hannah isn't ready, but I did promise to knock.

*Knock Knock*

"Come in, John."

Hannah's dressed up almost as much as last night. Maybe for dinner tonight with Layla's parents. Hannah doesn't have to worry about the elements, or sweating so it makes sense to get ready early.

I almost envy her for that.

"You're looking exceptionally pretty this morning."

Hannah does a spin and grins at me. "And you, John, are getting pretty free with compliments." She frowns and then comes closer. "Are you wearing lipgloss?"

I can feel the heat pooling in my cheeks but nod. "Kristy gave it to me last night. It's a lip plumper to make it look like we were making out—I grabbed it without thinking."

"Kristy's smart, that's clever."

Hannah grabs my hand, and then we head downstairs. As always, I find her touch reassuring. Dad glances over but turns back to some TV show with a hint of a smile.

We're not particularly close, and we have incompatible interests. Still, Dad loves me, and if that smile was any indication, Mom is about to pounce.

"John! I thought you were going to sleep the whole day away and forget all about your plans."

"Hi, Mom." I let go of Hannah's hand long enough to pull Mom into a hug and immediately grab her hand again. "I'm heading out now."

"There isn't a car in the driveway, and you haven't had breakfast."

I wonder if Mom was watching for Kristy on her phone once she heard the shower turn off.  

"I'm meeting the girls later, doing some shopping and getting some food. Then we're having dinner tonight. I'll probably come back here and get changed."

"Take a seat, and then you can go."

Mom sets a glass of juice and a muffin in front of me, and I smile. She's always making sure there are snacks and things I can just grab. I get lost in projects, we both do.

"Thanks."

"So, John. You came in quite late last night, well after the dance ended. You don't have a curfew, and I'm not going to give you one. But you're being safe, right?"

I have never been as envious of Hannah's ability to pass through objects because I desperately want to fall through the floor right now.

"Kristy and I went for burgers after the dance and chatted. We wanted to get to know one another better socially. Nothing, carnal as Dad called it during our last talk, of this nature."

Hannah lets go of my hand and is heaving with laughter. That's probably for the best. If she were still holding my hand, the jerking of my arm would attract too much attention.

"Channelling your father, dear?"

Dad has a precise way of speaking and little interest in the arts, but a few of his mannerisms have rubbed off.

"It seemed appropriate. Kristy and I are going on dates but not dating. If that changes, I'll let you know, but we haven't even kissed."

Kristy being a lesbian makes it a nonissue but I'm not going to out her to my Mom. She wouldn't care, but it isn't my information to share.

Mom's phone dings, and she glances at it with a smile. "Your ride is here," she says.

What?

I didn't have plans to see Kristy today.

"Finish your juice, and I'll wrap up this muffin for later."

Hannah catches my eye and shakes her head. She didn't know Kristy was picking me up either.

I wonder why she's here?

Well, there's only one way to find out.

"Thanks, Mom. I didn't know she was coming; we hadn't discussed it." And I haven't actually looked at my phone today, but Hannah would have said something if Kristy had.

"Text me if you need a ride later,"  Mom says, and I smile. She wants to meet my friends and do a little subtle interrogation—well, subtle for Mom, anyway.

"I will, thanks."

Shoes, where are my shoes? I'm going around the mall, so my everyday sneakers are probably better than the new ones Mom gave me yesterday. I can wear those tonight, though.

My phone starts beeping, and I ignore it. It's undoubtedly Kristy messaging me to tell me that she's here.

I might as well go find out why.

Now, the driver's side or just hop into the car? Let's just get this over with. Passenger side it is.

"Morning, Kristy. What brings you by?"

She looks a little sheepish. "I needed to get out of the house, and you mentioned the mall."

You know what? That's fair. I'm not sure I could have handled being home all day today myself, not after last night.

"I appreciate the ride, and I'm sorry for not responding to messages. I haven't answered anyone yet. I woke up, got ready, and here we are."

Hannah's settling into my lap, so it's safe to close the door.

"You're allowed your space, but it's usually polite to text a girl the day after a date."

"I'll make a note of that." I mime a pen. It's good advice.

"Were you going to the mall for anything in particular?"

"Hannh's birthday is in a month. I want to get some things ready to mail them, and after that, some string lights for the basement. I also need another shirt for tonight."

"Sounds like a full day; that is perfect. I can't be home right now."

Okay, something's actually wrong. I might not be the best at this stuff, but that's two negative mentions of home since I got in Kristy's car.

"Are you alright? You don't have to tell me, but did something happen at home?"

Before last night, when we talked for hours about ourselves, I wouldn't have asked, but we're becoming friends, and I should treat Kristy like one.

"It's my step-mother. She means well, but she's such a busybody. Bothering me about being out late, about cheer, about college, and about boys. I just couldn't handle it today."

"You're my friend; I'm happy to hang out at the mall. Sorry, I'll have to run eventually."

Kristy starts backing out of the driveway, and I pull out my phone. I need to respond to my messages, but I want to talk to Hannah right now.

   John: Sorry, today was supposed to be just us.

"It's fine, John. A friend needs you. Girls' Day at the Mall is really important. Besides, Kristy came to you, not Layla or anyone else on the squad. You should think about why."

That's a really good point. Layla might be busy with whatever she has planned for tonight, but someone on the squad should be free.

Why come to me?

Was I Kristy's first choice?

I don't know how to feel about that, but pleasantly warm is a start.

Now, what other messages do I have?

 A lot from Payton, and there's a mix of angry, sad and apologetic. I might need to buy her something at the mall today. I really upset her last night.

 

   John: I just woke up, Kristy showed up unexpectedly. I love you, Pay. I'll catch up on all this later. I'm sorry.

 

What else is there?

Casual messages in the various chats the cheerleaders added me to, with some photos from last night. There were a few complaints that they missed dancing with me. I'll ignore those; Layla is the big one.

 

                                                  Lalalal: Hope you actually had fun last night.

                                                  Lalalal:  John?

                                                  Lalalal:  Stop ignoring me.

                                                  Lalalal: You're still asleep, aren't you?

                                                  Lalalal: I'll pick you up at 6 tonight.

 

                           John: I was still asleep. Awake now. Hanging out with Kristy.

Lalala is typing flashes up a few times before a string of messages comes through. Kristy’s phone starts beeping too, and I have a pretty good guess why.

                                                   Lalalal: what?

                                                   Lalalal:  That's great!

                                                   Lalalal: but I didn't know you had plans today.

                                                   Lalalal: enjoy your date; you can tell me all about it later.

                                                   Lalalal: ttyl

Sure, why not.

"Catching up with the girls, John?"

"Apologising to Payton and also Layla was telling me when she's picking me up. It's at six - so I'll want to leave the mall around five."

"You're giving me almost six hours; that's amazing. Seriously, thanks."

Kristy definitely has more issues with her step-mother than she said, but we're still getting to know one another. I haven't earned her secrets, not yet, and maybe never.

"I'm mostly shopping for Hannah, but we can mall crawl and spend the day together."

"You're the best, John. Thanks."

It's what friends do, and I'm out of practice when it comes to being a friend. Hannah's here to help guide me, and that means everything to me.

 

***

 

"Hey, John?" Kristy calls from a few racks away.

We're back in the same clothing store as the other day. Getting the string lights only took a few minutes, but Kristy talked me into getting a set that changes colour and Hannah picked out a comforter set. So we’re mostly done.

"One sec."

There's a top here that I think Hannah would look amazing in. Today has been a little awkward; it's hard to talk to Hannah with Kristy here, but I'm doing the best I can.

I already know that I'm going to come back with Hannah another day just to make it up to her.

Honestly, Hannah seems really happy with Kristy being here, but it still feels like I'm letting her down. Today was supposed to be just us, and the next trip, I'll make sure it is.

With other people, but especially Kristy nearby I need to whisper. "How about this one?" Holding out the pink scoop neck top where Hannah is digging through the racks.

"Perfect, let me grab it from you, and you can see what Kristy wants."

"Thanks, Hannah." 

There must be something in my tone because Hannah reaches out and grabs my arm before fully pulling me into a hug. "John, I'm having a great time. Seriously, don't stress."

Yeah, no. I'm going to stress. I feel bad. 

Today was supposed to be for Hannah, but I can't focus on her or be with her like a friend should be.

Yes, Hannah's understanding, but it still sucks.

“I’ll make it up to you.”

Now, where is Kristy?

Ah, she's over by the dresses. I can't help but frown when I get close. Kristy has a dark blue maxi dress in hand. That's weird; Kristy said she avoids blues. 'Too expected for a blond'.

"What do you think?"

"It's cute, but I would have expected it to be silver, to be honest." Silver is her favourite colour, and it looks striking with her blond hair. "Are those pockets?"

"Sure are, and it isn't for me."

Who on the team would that suit? Layla definitely, and Zoey, too, for that matter.

"Perfect, I'll add it to the pile."

Ah yes, 'the pile'. While we've been fluttering around the store, and while I've been stealth shopping for Hannah, I've grabbed a few things for Kristy, and occasionally, she'll show me something specific and ask directly for my opinion.

I guess she's getting her holiday shopping done early.

"Oh! I just saw something for you. One sec."

Over two rows, I almost collide with someone.

"Sorry!" Oh, it's Tilly. "I didn't see you, Tilly. Sorry again." She's filling up the racks from a cart. I guess there are no idle hands here.

"I usually don't see the same boys here twice in the same week, especially without a gaggle of girls."

Is two a gaggle? I don't know how to actually measure that.

"One today, she's over with the dresses. I was just coming to grab the skirt behind you."

"Which one?"

"The black asymmetrical, it's to your left."

"Great eye. Did your girl send you over for this?"

That's a good question, and part of me wants to nod and move on. I don't know when I developed a sense of fashion, but the girls all seemed really happy with it.

"Nah, I spotted it. This is a team activity, not a solo run."

"John?"

Kristy pops around the corner and smiles at me while giving Tilly an odd look, at least until she notices the name tag.

"Hey, sorry."

"Everything alright?"

"Your boy was asking me for a skirt. I was restocking and in his way. I was about to grab it for him." Which she does and passes it over.

"Thanks, Tilly."

Kristy starts examining the skirt. "Oh yeah, this is fantastic. We still need to find you a shirt for tonight, though."

"Special occasion?"

"Dinner with parents tonight," Kristy grins at me. That's true, but Kristy is giving Tilly the impression that it's her parents I'm having dinner with, not Layla's.

"You poor thing," Tilly says while smiling at me. I can tell she's trying not to laugh.

In her place, I would probably laugh outright. Honestly, I'm nervous enough about tonight, and I'm not going there as Layla's boyfriend. Who knows what kind of a wreck I would be if it were Kristy's parents.

I'm nervous enough about the possibility; it makes me anxious. Being presented as Kristy's boyfriend to her parents. The mere thought is enough to make me tense.

"I just want to make a good first impression."

"You will." Kristy pulls me into a hug, and I smile at her. She's been a lot more tactile and less reserved with me today than she's been all week.

It's nice.

"You two are adorable together."

"Thank you!" Oh, the cutesy voice is back. It should be annoying, but for some reason, it isn't.

Hannah wanders over, holding an echo of a men's dress shirt—it's black, no, a dark blue, and honestly, it's perfect for tonight.

"How about this?"

I nod as subtly as I can before glancing back at Tilly and Kristy. "We really should find a shirt, and I spotted one I wanted to show Kristy after I grabbed this skirt."

"I should probably get back to work, anyway. These skirts aren't going to stock themselves."

"Thanks, Tilly. John, show me the shirt." Kristy grabs my arm, and then Hannah leads us through the store.

The wall near the back has multiple rows of men's shirts, and Hannah sets her echo into the stack on the left and winks at me.

"These on the left. There's a dark blue that borders on black."

"Hmm, yeah, that's actually great." She's nodding along, but she's frowning.

I'm not entirely sure why; it matches my colouring and Layla's really well, but it isn't casual wear either. Maybe it's because of that?

There's a lighter blue and another in lavender that would work nicely. "What about these two?"

"Better," Kristy says, almost absentminded.

Okay, that settles it. Kristy isn't with me anymore. She seems somewhere else entirely. It's a little strange; we've been having fun all morning, and she was eager to see my choice until I actually showed it to her.

There's an easier way to draw attention to it without specifically calling Kristy out.

My hand darts out and grabs a long-sleeved blouse with a keyhole collar. I hold it up in front of me; huh, it actually looks good.

"How about this?"

"It's fine." Her eyes widen when she actually looks at me, and then she shakes her head. "It's cute, adorable, actually."

We're still getting to know one another, and yes, she's a lesbian, but she helped me with clothes the other day, and it was easy,

"Kristy, what's wrong? We've been having fun, or at least I thought we were, but you're not here anymore."

She goes completely still and, after a second, nods. "Let's pay for this stuff, bring that blouse, and we'll get a coffee."

Hannah looks at me and shrugs but then grabs another echo of the original shirt, and I nod again. I can trust Hannah's fashion judgement. More importantly, I need something for tonight, and I won't have a chance if I don't buy one right now.

"I'll catch up, John. This seems private, and Kristy deserves some privacy."

When we get there, Tilly is at the register. I know there are other staff members here, but I guess they share duties.

"Find everything you were looking for?"

"I think so., thanks."

"Yeah..."

Kristy absentmindedly taps her card on the reader, and I frown; she wasn't supposed to pay for my clothes. I'll pay her back later.

"Have a good dinner, you two."

"Thanks, Tilly."

 

***

 

We're sitting in Kristy's car. I put everything in the trunk, and we're just sitting here. It's eerily similar to last night; just our roles are reversed.

I don't care about coffee, though it would have been welcome. Kristy is my focus at the moment.

Kristy mentioned issues with her stepmother this morning, and then we were having fun until we weren't. Maybe she got a phone call or a text when I was occupied?

It has to be something like that.

I reach into my pocket and pull out the lipgloss, Kristy glances over, and I wiggle it at her. "If we're going to repeat last night, I should tell you to purse your lips."

"You're carrying that around?" Kristy says with a laugh.

"I wanted to have it with me, but right now, I mostly wanted you to laugh."

"I appreciate it." She sighs and glances away, and I'm reminded of myself more and more.

"So, not to make this about me, but this will eat me alive if I don't. Did I do something wrong, hurt you?"

"No, no! God, no, John. You've been great, and I'm sorry I made you worry. After last night, I should have known better."

Okay, that's good. I can feel the tension leave my body as if a part of me is uncoiling.

Payton might have told me our separation wasn't my fault, but I've thought it was for a long time; in some ways, it's the only way I know how to see things.

That the problem is always me.

"It was an anxiety, not a real worry. Question two, then. Are you safe at home? Mom and Dad might ask a thousand questions, but if you need a place to stay, we could work something out."

Mom would think Kristy is pregnant, it doesn't matter what I've said, but it's the first thing she would think of.

I could sleep on the basement couch, and she could have my room.

If Kristy needs a place to stay, I'll deal with the consequences.

"I'm safe, physically and emotionally." Kristy throws her arms around me, and I hug her back. She doesn't let go, and we can sit like this for a while.

"I'm glad."

Kristy starts shaking, and I worry she's crying until I can hear the giggles, and I just ride it out until she's able to talk.

"Sorry, John. I'm just imagining the look on your face when your mom asked if I was pregnant; honestly, it's sweet of you to offer. I'm just working through some stuff."

How angry would Layla be if I cancelled on her? Kristy seems like she needs a friend.

"I had the same thought, but you're my friend. If I can help, I want to."

"It's complicated, and you're involved a little, but nothing bad."

It has to do with clothes, my clothes, that's obvious. What else could it be?

"Do you have anyone you can hang out with tonight?" I'd feel better knowing Kristy isn't by herself.

"Payton and I have plans."

I guess we're trading partners tonight, official or unofficial. It makes sense, I'll be with Layla, so why wouldn't Payton hang out with Kristy?

"Anything fun?"

"Pizza and movies, you should come next time." There's something in Kristy's tone, but I have no idea what it could be.

"I'd love to, with or without Pay."

Kristy hugs me tighter and then releases the hug. "Let's get you home so you can get ready for Layla."

It's earlier than I expected to be home, but that just gives me more time to get ready.

I really hope Kristy is okay.

 

***

 

Hannah is hanging her new echos in our closet. She's been really quiet today, and there's a part of me that worries she's pulling away. I’ve been worrying about it more and more.

I felt like she was the other day, and today, she hasn't done anything to resolve those feelings. Hannah seems happy, though, as if she were her usual, excitable self. She's taking care of me and helping me, so why the change?

Tiffany, maybe? I'm still not totally sure what that was about, and Hannah seemed really upset.

It's all connected, somehow.

"Hannah, I really am sorry about today." I haven't stopped apologizing, and I think she's starting to get annoyed.

"John, seriously, stop. We've been friends for a year now; I'm beyond thrilled that you're with the cheerleaders, these ones anyway. You've been so happy." She does this every so often, badmouthing some of the cheerleaders, and Hannah never really mentions the old team.

"I know, I'm just worried about neglecting you." One thing is for sure, I should get Hannah a phone of her own sooner rather than later.

The next time I'm alone, and Hannah isn't looking over my shoulders, I can do some research. 

Sure, I can't afford to get Hannah a phone plan, but I can tether her phone to my data plan.

"You're not, so what's the plan tonight?"

"Survive dinner."

Hannah giggles at me. "Please, you'll be fine. If you were going as a boyfriend or potential boyfriend, you could and should worry, but you're not."

"You'll stick close, right?" 

"Wild horses, John. Don't worry, I have your back. Always."

I can't imagine my life without Hannah, but if there's an afterlife - if something is waiting for her, she shouldn't be tethered to me.

Hannah is always careful about what she says, and I really hope there are other ghosts out there. I could handle the thought of her isolation from humanity if she had other ghosts to talk to.

The thought of Hannah having been truly alone for twenty-five years breaks my heart.

I really like how Hannah teased out my hair for the dance, so I replicated it tonight. It was easier to do than I thought.

"Thanks, Hannah."

"You should get downstairs." 

Yeah, I probably should, but one more hug. That I have time for.

Layla should be here any minute, and Mom is hovering again. I should have thought this through more. Layla is picking me up, not Kristy.

Who knows what or how many questions Mom is going to have.

Shit.

"Don't stay out too late tonight, John. I want to be out of the house by 9:00 tomorrow."

On a Sunday? Gross.

"It's just dinner, I don't expect to be home later than 10:00 PM."

Layla's parents won't be interrogating me as her boyfriend, so it should be a relatively simple dinner. I'm still not totally sure why she even wants me over tonight.

Okay, sure, she said it was to hang out, but I'm prepared for the worst.

Mom smiles at me as her phone beeps. "Your ride is here."

"Thanks, Mom." I'm surprised she didn't say anything else, though Layla's car doesn't look anything like Kristy's.

Things make more sense when I walk outside, and Kristy's car, not Layla's, is waiting.

What's going on?

"Hey, John."

"This is a pleasant surprise."

Hannah shoves me a little to get me moving, and I climb into the car; she's in my lap a minute later. It's always a little strange feeling, but it's remarkably comfortable.

Who knew you could just get used to having someone in your lap?

"Layla's going to grab you at Payton's; my suggestion. I figured your Mom might ask since she has a different car."

"You're amazing."

The fewer questions Mom asks me tomorrow, the better.

"It's the least I can do."

Hannah grabs ahold of my chin and turns my face until I'm looking at Kristy and gives me a firm nod.

Okay, message received.

"Feel free to tell me to mind it, but are you okay?"

Kristy's quiet until she pulls into Payton's driveway and parks the car. "I'm not, but I will be. Today, being with you helped a lot. Payton's going to help me tonight."

"I'm glad, and I'll text you tomorrow, if not tonight."

"You better."

Hannah slides off my lap and out the door before I do, and then I see Payton standing near the car and pull her into a hug.

"Hi, Pay."

"I know you've been busy today, but read my texts tonight." Payton's tone is sharp enough that I wince.

"Sorry, I will."

There are so many things on my plate right now, and still, I'm reeling from almost dying the other day.

I felt amazing, and that's terrifying because I want to feel like that again. It's something I'll need to discuss with someone sooner or later, but right now, I have enough on my plate, and so do my friends.

Layla's car pulls into the driveway, and then she hops out and bounds over to us.

"John! You look great. You all do." She grabs me in a quick hug, moves onto Kristy, and then lingers with Payton. Anything more than a hug is probably too dangerous for Layla right now, and that's a shame.

They're super cute together.

"Thanks, Layla. You're looking great yourself."

"John and I need to go; my parents are waiting. Enjoy your movies and pizza girls. I'm super jealous."

Layla isn't the only one who's jealous. I would love to just hang out with the girls tonight.

Hopefully, tonight goes well.

"Bye."

Payton and Kristy head into the house, and I keep my eyes on them until the door is closed. My heart is racing.

Layla puts a hand on my shoulder, and I jump.

"We need to go."

I know; it just feels weird to be on this side of the door right now. It's too familiar. Tonight isn't the first time I've been stuck out here while Payton is on the other side of the door.

It hurts more than I thought it would.

The first time almost broke me. Tonight, I'm aching, but I know that I'm still welcome.

 I didn't expect to feel dizzy.

"John," Hannah says suddenly, and the world spins. "Layla needs you to be present right now. 

You'll be okay."

"John?"

"We can go, sorry."

I follow Layla to her car in a daze. After a second, Hannah wraps her arms around me, and the cold helps ground me. By the time Hannah's settled in my lap, it almost feels like I can breathe again.

"John, are you okay?" Layla says, and I shake my head.

"A little shakey but getting better."

Without Hannah right now, I would still be in Payton's driveway, being crushed by the weight of my memories.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"It's stupid." Even as I say it, I know that it's a mistake. Yes, I'm still getting to know Layla, but I should have said 'no'. Not that 'it's stupid'. She isn't going to let me off the hook that easily.

"Do I have to lock the doors?"

At least Layla asked this time, but I shake my head. Especially because Hannah is looking at me. She's just as worried.

"I was fine, but seeing Payton go into her house, watching the door close and being on this side of it. It was just like a few years ago."

"The day we came back from camp..."

"Yeah. It overwhelmed me for a minute; I'm calming down." Just in time because we're pulling into a driveway, and I assume we're at Layla's house.

I had heard her parents are wealthy, but this house is like something out of a movie. The garage we're pulling up to looks bigger than my parent's house.

"My parents know we aren't dating. You're officially here because you’re interested in Kristy, and I'm trying to get a feel for you in case you ask her out. My parents are just happy I invited a boy over."

Now, that's a weight off my shoulders. I genuinely wasn't sure what Layla's parents knew about tonight.

It works as a cover, but it's so strange, especially since I asked Kristy to the dance not to be my girlfriend.

"Good, I couldn't have handled an interrogation tonight."

"Oh, there's going to be one of those, but less directed at you."

What does she mean?

Oh!

"Because we aren't dating?"

"Pretty much. 'If he's such a nice boy, why aren't you dating him, Layla' Expect to hear that a few times tonight or something similar. I already have today."

That's so shitty of her parents.

I didn't have a good impression of them just based on their politics, but why are they badgering her so much?

There's only one way to find out, and that's, unfortunately, by getting out of this car and going to dinner.