I'm close enough to finishing this book that I feel it's safe to share a bit. Why the hell not?
As far as I'm aware, that should be the end of the conversation. I turn to leave and Wade says, "I'm sorry."
I stop, purse my lips, and slowly twirl on my heel. "Hm?"
"I'm sorry," he repeats, looking awkward and adorable with his backpack hanging from one hand and Jasmine's baby blue purse from the other. "About the other day. I shouldn't have gone off on you like that."
I'm inclined to agree. "No, you shouldn't have. But whatever." Shrug. "Don't go thinking I'm gonna run my mouth to anyone. I doubt they'd believe me, anyway."
"I'm not worried." He frowns. A couple of girls pass us in the hall, side-eyeing us with furrowed brows as they marvel at a Nobody talking with Wade Jones. He doesn't help matters by flicking his gaze to them and promptly moving in closer. To avoid being overheard, no doubt, but from an outsider's perspective, it has to look suspect.
"Look...I don't want you getting the wrong idea, is all. I'm not—and I've never—"
I hold up my hands to cut him off. "The things you want to keep secret is your deal, all right? I'm not here to tell you off because of your preferences of...whatever."
"I'm not gay," he says urgently.
I level a stare at him. "Never said you were."
He takes a deep breath. In, out again. "Are you?"
"Not really any of your business."
"Then you're hiding just as much as I am."
I hike my backpack further up my aching shoulder and finally take a step back, putting some distance between us. "Like I said, Wade. I'm not saying a word if you're not. But if you ever want to talk about it, I'll catch you around."
Published on April 06, 2013 18:35