Page 27 of Reckless Love
Still just friends, Mama. That’s how we like it.
Mama
If you say it enough times, you’ll start to believe it, right?
I stared at that text a little too long. As usual, I was shaken up that my mom could always see right through me. I hadn’t admitted anything to her, but she just knew.
Still, I wasn’t ready to admit anything now either.
JUST FRIENDS.
Mama
Whatever you say, my sunshine. Love you.
Love you too, Mama.
I scrolled to my thread with Elle. What if I pushed a little bit…just to see if maybe I wasn’t the only one feeling something?
I’ll see you there, Benton. I wouldn’t complain if you’re wearing those shorts you wore last night.
She didn’t miss a beat.
Elle
Have you felt how cold it is out there today? I don’t think so!
I smirked. Purposely missing my point or not? It was hard to tell with her.
The noise was jarring when I walked inside The Big Kahuna. I scanned the tables, nodding to a few people who said hi across the bar. This had become one of our favorite places to grab pizza and, depending on the noise level, study or play a game of darts…or just hang in the booth in the back and talk for hours.
When I got to our booth, Elle was there already and her face lit up when she saw me.
The thought hit me hard and certain:I’m going to tell her how I feel.
If there was any chance she felt the same way about me, I didn’t want to waste another moment. I didn’t need to do the whole sow wild oats shit just because I was young. Some people found their person when they were young.
“Hey,” she said, leaning forward. “I ordered our favorite, Hawaiian with jalapeños.”
I bumped her fist and made a big deal of checking out her legs under the table and acting disappointed when I saw them covered in leggings.
She laughed and lifted her shoulder. “It’s chilly out there!”
“You cheer in this weather...what’s the difference?”
Her full lips puckered as she frowned. “Yeah, when I’m constantly moving it’s not so bad. Are you trying to attack my clothing choices too? I’m showing too much skin for my parents, too covered up for you and Delaney…”
“You look great no matter what you wear,” I said, meaning it. “But last night’s outfit was my favorite.”
She giggled. “Okay, noted.”
Our pitcher of root beer came and I filled our mugs to the top.
“I have something to tell you,” she said, clanking her glass to mine.
“Oh yeah?” I allowed myself to look at her the way I wanted for once and she faltered for a second, pressing her lips together.
“Do I have something on my face?” She frowned.