and agree with him,” I say with a shrug.
“You need a phone, Eli.” She walks over to the desk that’s in the kitchen and reaches into her purse, pulling out a familiar white box. “So I got you one.”
I’m shook. Mom went out and bought me a brand new phone? “Really?” I stare at the box she holds out to me, almost afraid to touch it.
“Yes, really,” she says with a little laugh. “Your dad and I agreed that what he did was—impulsive.”
See? I come by that naturally too.
“He shouldn’t have taken it away,” she continues. “And once he had it, he realized it was pretty beat up.”
“It was,” I agree, my fingers itching to grab that new phone.
“Here.” She holds it out, closer to me. “It’s yours.”
I take the box from her and slowly pull off the lid, whistling low when I see the shiny new iPhone. It’s the newest model, and I’m so overcome with gratefulness, I reach out and pull Mom into a quick, one-armed hug. “Thank you,” I tell her, as I press my face into her hair, breathing in her familiar, comforting scent.
“Y-you’re welcome.” She sounds shocked. Maybe even a little emotional. It should be no big deal, her giving me a phone, but it feels like one.
This feels like a moment. A peace offering.
I’d be an idiot not to reciprocate.
Eight
Ava
“Come on Ava. I was hoping you would go to Sorrento’s house tomorrow.” Wyatt smiles at me, his gaze steady, his entire demeanor calm. The dude could probably lull me to sleep if I let him.
Wow, that is so not a compliment. Thinking that felt catty and mean.
I smile at him and slowly shake my head. “No way. I never go to Tony’s parties.”
“It’s about time you should, right? And what’s the big deal? Jake will be there, so what? Lots of people will be there. Plus, he’ll be with Hannah and won’t even pay attention to what you’re doing,” Wyatt says, sounding vaguely annoyed. But not too annoyed.
It’s like Wyatt has one emotion, and it’s completely balanced. He never gets too mad or too happy. He’s very restrained.
I don’t know if that’s a good thing.
We’re at the Thursday night team dinner that the football booster club hosts. They invited the cheer team, and Brandy said we should go. Even though a few of us have a huge history test tomorrow to study for.
Like me.
But anyway.
When dinner was over, my dad and a few of the other coaches gave rousing speeches that had all the boys roaring their approval, as usual. Once we were dismissed, I couldn’t get out of there fast enough, but I didn’t realize that Wyatt was following right behind me, calling my name to get me to stop.
Lindsey noticed. She smirked at me before grabbing Dakota, and they both took off toward her car. I’m sure they’ll be gossiping about me and Wyatt on the drive home. Not sure why no one is gossiping about me and Eli, but I say a quiet thank you to whoever is controlling the constant chatter around here and hope that it remains that way.
Quiet.
I hate gossip. I don’t want people talking about me. I live somewhat in the shadows of my older sister and brother, and while sometimes I hate that, in moments like this? When all eyes could be on me and my name on the tip of everyone’s tongue? I don’t want the attention. Autumn dealt with it a lot in high school, and so does Jake.
“I’m always so tired after the games,” I say, which isn’t necessarily a lie. But if the right boy was asking right now—ahem, Eli—then I’d be agreeing without hesitation.
“Then it’ll be a chance for you to relax and hang out,” Wyatt says, his tone actually pretty convincing. I should experience Tony’s house parties at least once, right? “Come on.” He reaches out and gently socks my arm with his fist. “You should go.”
That was a total excuse for him to touch me, which is sweet. If I wasn’t so hung up and completely hungover from my previous relationship that I still haven’t given up on, I’d be more agreeable. But I’m not, so…
“Bring Ellie,” Wyatt says. “She told me she doesn’t have to work tomorrow night.”
“She did?” Hmm. Does Ellie secretly have the hots for Wyatt? We’ve really only talked about my issues with Eli this week, which isn’t fair. I’ve dumped all my woes and worries on her and she’s never said a single word