Listen for the Lie

by Amy Tintera

People your age are usually so proud of being busy.

Mom leans back in her chair. “He was perfectly nice.” “Of course he was; he wanted something from you.”

I guess it’s mostly women who do it. But sometimes you meet a girl who is just, like, your soulmate. Not in a romantic way, but in a friend way. Which can almost be more intense.

Texans are nothing if not polite (to your face).

Lucy was complex. Layered. She wasn’t interested in making other people comfortable, which I really liked about her. Not a common trait in a woman.

A guy once said to her, “You look like the fun kind of mess.” Rude, but not wrong.

“Better to be interesting than likable, in my opinion.”

That seems like a bad idea. “Yes.”

“Listen. I’ve been thinking.” “A dangerous pastime,” I say.

How do you believe that man over your child? How did Matt believe Emmett over his own wife? Ben: It does seem strange. Beverly: Well, not strange, exactly. Typical. Men always believe each other.

Trust me, there’s no pleasing people. If they’re determined to think the worst of you, they will.”