Page 32 of Heartstrings
“Galaxy Rider? Who the heck—” She cut off midquestion, and I watched as understanding dawned on her face. “You’re talking to Xander!” she exclaimed, her voice full of accusation.
Great, I thought, shoulders slumping. I was never going to hear the end of this. Sofia had been itching to return to the topic of Xander all week. If she wasn’t mentioning the Heartbreakers in every conversation possible, then she was playing their music on repeat. She even had the gall to slip the latest edition ofPeople, which had the band on its cover, into my backpack. I managed to avoid the subject by feigning obliviousness in spite of her obvious lack of subtly, but there was no way I could ignore this.
I sucked in my cheeks before letting out a noisy breath. “So what if I am?”
“He wants to hang out with you tomorrow,” she said, gaping at me.
“Your point?”
The glare she threw in my direction was razor-sharp. “You mean besides the obvious? What happened to focusing on something new and exciting?”
“I don’t need to shake up my personal life right now.”
“Why not?” she demanded. “I saw the way you smiled when—”
I cut her off with a look. “My life is complicated enough.”
“You sure that’s what this is about?”
“What are you saying?” I asked, eyes narrowing.
“As soon as Xander showed an interest in you, you ran the opposite direction.” She tapped my phone screen. “Him texting you is a sign, one I can’t believe you’re ignoring.”
“Why are you being so pushy about this?” I snapped, finally snatching my cell back from her.
“Because as your best friend, it’s my job to let you know when you’re being a stubborn idiot.” She crossed her arms. “Also, we can’t hang out tomorrow. I’m too busy with sibling duty, so you literally have no excuse not to go.”
“Really?” I let out a sharp laugh. “You’re so full of shit.”
Sofia didn’t reply, instead choosing to return my look of disbelief with a stern gaze. Okay, so maybe she was right about me keeping Xander at arm’s length, but could she really blame me? My own family didn’t want to spend time with me, so why would he?
Knowing Sofia wouldn’t relent, I let out a long sigh. “If I go to the party and nothing comes of it, will you promise to let this go?”
Her lips curled into a smug smile. “Promise.”
“Fine. I’ll go, but I know you’re free tomorrow, so you’re coming with me.” Not giving Sofia a chance to protest, I texted Xander back.
Indie:
I might be able to clear my schedule. Can I bring a friend?
Galaxy Rider:
Absolutely!!!
Party’s at 53 Yellowfin Boulevard. Alec is arriving at 5:15, so be here by 5 at the latest. Make sure to park in the back lot.
Indie:
Awesome, see you then.
Galaxy Rider:
Can’t wait!
Chapter 7
Sofia pulled Wanda, her silver Honda CR-V, up in front of a hulking, concrete slab of a building. Wispy palm trees dotted the poor excuse for landscaping, and a neon sign above the door read ZAPZONE.
