Before I overthink things, I say, “Sam and I are going on a hike tomorrow, a two-day crossing over Mount Tongariro. We’ve rented a tent. How’d you like to come?”
She makes a snorting-choking sound and spins around. “How’d you neglect to mention that fun fact during your monologue? You and the guy with a girlfriend alone in a tent? What part of you thinks I want to choke on the sexual tension between you two? The answer is a resounding no, but the sentiment’s nice.” She stops, pauses, then plants her hands on her hips. “Actually…what if I hang here and maybe head south with you guys when you get back? If they stick to their plans, Reese and that pack of losers won’t be here for a couple of weeks. Would that be cool?”
I nod, my heart suddenly full. Leigh and I just had a real conversation, no video-game-like animatronics from yours truly where I have to stop and think before I do or say anything. Just two girls, both a little messed up, trying to figure their stuff out. “Yeah,” I say. “That would be cool.”
* * *
In the morning, Leigh and I sit kitty-corner on the end of the kitchen table, eating bowls of fruit salad and talking about where to go after the hike. Sam appears in the doorway, stops short, and cocks his head. His brow furrows. He seems to recognize Leigh, but maybe can’t place her with the haircut. When his face darkens and his jaw ticks, I’m pretty sure he makes the connection. I wave him over, and he approaches slowly.
Instead of sitting down, he hovers over her with crossed arms. “I’d say it’s nice to see you, Leigh, but that would be a lie. Nina, why don’t you get your stuff? We’ll leave right away.” He glares at her, never looking my way.
I put my fork down. “It’s cool, Sam.” I attempt to catch his eye, but he’s too busy trying to burst Leigh into flames. “Honestly. Leigh and I got caught up last night. She apologized for the whole video thing. We’re cool. Okay?”
“Yeah, Romeo.” She bites the strawberry from her fork, chews, and swallows. She waves her utensil at his face. “Back off with your creepy staring. Another minute and I might accidentally stick this fork in your eye.”
He blows out a breath. “One move and I shave your head.” Then he looks at me. “You really want to hang out with this sorry excuse for a human being?”
I nod quickly, none too sure how to broach the next subject. It doesn’t look like Sam and Leigh are about to trade friendship bracelets, but she needs me. I decide on being direct. “Yeah, I’m sure. Actually…this wonderful excuse for a human being is going to be traveling with us after the hike.” I slap a toothy grin on my face until he snorts.
His good humor doesn’t last long. “No way. This bitch isn’t getting in my car.”
Leigh drops her fork on the metal table with a loud clatter. “Oh, this bitch is getting in your car, and this asshole will let her. Last I checked, your travel partner has some say on who she hangs with. Or have you turned your car into a dictatorship?”
“You can fuck off, Leigh. And when I shave your head, your eyebrows are going, too.” He faces me. “Come on, Nina. Is this for real? You seriously want to spend time with the girl who spread a video of you all over the Internet?”
I smile weakly. “Yeah.” I promised Leigh I wouldn’t tell Sam about her confession. Not that I think it’s a big deal, and not that he would either, but she has to do this in her own way.
He huffs and pushes his hand through his mess of curls. “Fine. Give me your phone first.” He holds his palm out toward Leigh.
“No friggin’ way, bucko. Not on your life.”
“Then consider yourself traveling solo.” But he doesn’t pull his hand back.
She swings to me and mouths What the fuck? When I shrug, she rolls her eyes, grabs her phone from the table, and practically tosses it at Sam.
He thumbs the screen then scowls at her. “I don’t see it. Did you erase the video?”
“Yes. That masterpiece of theatre is forever destroyed. I deleted it last night. Happy? Can I have my property back before you invade more of my privacy, Mussolini?”
He leans down low, his face inches from Leigh’s. “You can