when you make an effort. Maybe that will thaw her out a little?”
I went quiet as I considered his suggestion. “I mean, it’s not your worst advice.”
“It’s not my best advice either,” he said. “My best advice is to be yourself, but since you won’t do that, I’m left with shitty second-rate advice.”
“I think I prefer the shitty advice, to be honest.” At worst, I’d do something nice for Clary, and she’d treat me the same as always, but if everything went well, it might just give me a chance to win her over. I slowly started to smile. This plan wasn’t sounding so bad.
“So, what should I do that she’d like?”
Seth scratched the side of his face, and his eyes grew distant as he considered my question. “I don’t know, man. It doesn’t have to be some grand gesture or anything. She’s a guest in your house. Maybe do something to make her feel more welcome? I’m sure you can come up with something.”
“Okay, leave it with me.” Zero ideas were coming to my mind, but Clary would be staying with me for a few days at least, so I was sure I could think of something in that time.
Seth slowly shook his head at me. “What I wouldn’t give to be a fly on the wall in your place during lockdown.”
I laughed. “There probably won’t be all that much to see unless you want to watch me crash and burn.”
“That’s exactly what I want to do.” He grinned.
We were interrupted as Seth’s mom came out onto their front porch. She scowled at me from the doorway. “Does your mom know you’re here, Aiden?”
Mrs. Travers normally loved me, but given the stern look in her eyes, she wasn’t about to give me her usual welcoming hug—and not just because that was against the rules.
“Sorry, Mrs. T, I was only dropping by.”
“You know the rules, Aiden. You’re not allowed to drop by anymore,” she replied, lifting one eyebrow.
I grinned sheepishly and shrugged. “What can I say, I’m just a sucker for the Travers hospitality. I miss you guys.”
She blew out a breath, and a small smile curved the corner of her lips. I knew Mrs. T couldn’t stay mad at me. I was like a second son to her, and I probably ate more meals at her house than at home on weekends.
“Anyway, like you said, I shouldn’t be here. I’ll leave you guys to it.”
“I’m sorry you can’t stay,” Mrs. T replied. “But the moment lockdown restrictions are lifted you can come over and I’ll cook you my special tuna bake.”
“Can’t wait,” I said, giving her a genuine smile. I loved Mrs. T’s cooking. It was definitely a level above whatever Mom normally whipped up for us. She never really had the time to cook.
“See ya, man.” Seth looked as disappointed as I felt that I had to leave. It was for the best though. “Let me know how you get on with your lockdown project.”
“Oh, I will.” I winked at him, and he sniggered under his breath as I turned to walk home.
Seeing Seth had been exactly what I needed today, but the elation I felt at being with my best friend quickly diminished. Even though I’d kept my distance from him, I’d broken the rules to go see him, and I knew I couldn’t do it again. I wasn’t sure when I’d see Seth next. I just had to hope the restrictions would lift soon.
Despite my intentions to do something nice for Clary, it was a little hard when she wouldn’t leave her room. I still wasn’t sure exactly what nice thing I was going to do to work my way into her affections, but I figured I’d be inspired when I saw her again. I kept my bedroom door open for most of the day, but not once did she emerge.
When the sky started to grow dark and my stomach began to grumble, I finally gave up on waiting for her and went downstairs to the kitchen. As I walked into the room, I found Elliot making his way out of the pantry. His arms were loaded with snacks he appeared to be carting back to his bedroom.
“You know it’s nearly dinner time, right?”
“Yeah, but Mom called, and she’s not going to get home until late, so it looks like we’re not eating.” He was talking through a mouthful of Doritos, so his words were barely audible.