Page 38 of Rust

I turned around. “Yeah?”

Rust leaned against the door and let out a sigh. “Listen. You’re a very bright, very beautiful girl. And it’s been so long since—” he stammered, struggling to find the words. “Nevermind. I’m really sorry I did that, that’s all.”

“It’s okay, Rust.”

Like totally okay,I thought.Like please-let’s-do-it-again okay.

We locked eyes. I started to hope that he might invite me back inside. If he did, I was determined to make him feel alotbetter.

But he forced himself to look away. “No, it’s not okay. I shouldn’t have done that. Your dad is my best friend.” he said, shaking his head at himself. “Listen, Isabelle… can we forget that ever happened?”

What?

No.

Absolutely not.

“Um. Yeah, sure,” I said, swallowing my pride.

“Thank you.” He smiled, relieved. “So I’ll be out of the house tomorrow at eight in the morning. Anytime you can come over after that is fine.”

I was desperate to get out of there. Fidgeting with my car keys, I backed away. “Got it. Bye.”